Conference koolit::disney

reply to < Note 28.0 by AKOV04::WILLIAMS >
    
>    	What is the cost of some of the vacation packages:
>    
>    		.  staying in the MK
>    		.  staying outside the MK

    cost is  varied  depending  on  what you plan on doing, for example the
    Crimson travel plan  tend to be cheap because they usually charge extra
    for addmission, and a  rental  car,  and don't include the meals/dinner
    shows, and you usually sty on I-drive at the 1776 or similar hotel, and
    they get a lower air-fare due  to  group travel.  On the other hand the
    World  Vacation  plan  doesn't  include  air-fare or  rental  car,  but
    everything else is basicly included (minus alchohol, gifts and personal
    thing like golf lessons etc.) and cost more due to the lodging.  If you
    plan on eating  3  meals  a day (dinner show every other night), rent a
    water spite of other  activity  every other day, then the difference in
    cost is usually due to lodging.    And if you planned to get an upgrade
    through Crimson to a more secluded hotel  other than the 1776, then you
    might consider for a few extra dollars one of the World Vacation plans.
    
    However  you  could  always just rent a room  at  Disney  and  pay  for
    everything seperately as well, if you don't want 3 meals a day etc.  
    
    My  experience leads me to think that the World Vacation plan is geared
    to you doing 2 activities a day (MK or Epcot touring plus maybe golf or
    rent a boat  etc)  taking  advantage of the 3 meals a day with either a
    dinner show or expensive  meal at the Empress Lilly or such in order to
    break even.  If you  don't  plan  on doing this then your throwing your
    money away and you'd be better  off  paying  for the room seperately as
    well as whatever activities you do. (this is my plan for '92)
        
>    	What about time:
>    
>    		.  quietest time of year
>    		.  length of waiting lines -
>                                .  during busy times
>    				.  during quieter times

    The best trip I ever had was  my  Nov '82 trip, we had brought our 4 yr
    old son for the first time for his birthday present (had to justify the
    trip somehow ;^)).  The last 2 week in  October  and  first  2  week in
    November from what relatives in Florida told me is a  good  time to go,
    rainy season is over, and the temps are still rather warm and you don't
    usually  need  a  sweater/coat  at  night.  Crowds were minimal and the
    longest line  was  for the American Adventure, because we just miss the
    cut off time.
    
    On my last  trip  April  '87, on a couple of days the crowds to me were
    horrendous, and the wife  and I were glad we stay on property.  We grab
    the duffle bag we left  in the lockers and headed to the Polynesean for
    a swim, and went back in  after  being  refreshed,  as well as when the
    crowds  were dying down.  One of  the  nice  things  about  staying  on
    property is the ability use the facilities at the hotels ;^).
    
    Claude

reply to < Note 28.1 by ATE012::CLAUDE "Claude G. Berube" >

>    The last 2 week in  October  and  first  2  week in
>    November from what relatives in Florida told me is a  good  time to go,
>    rainy season is over, and the temps are still rather warm and you don't
>    usually  need  a  sweater/coat  at  night.  Crowds were minimal and the
>    longest line  was  for the American Adventure, because we just miss the
>    cut off time.
    
    I second the end of October.  

    Last fall, I was there the last full week of October.  The weather
    was great.  It was warm enough for shorts but not too hot for slacks.
    It got cooler when the sun went down.  Some people had sweaters, 
    light jackets, or sweatshirts (WDW will gladly sell you a souvenir
    one).  I didn't mind the cooler weather as a matter of fact I enjoyed
    it.

    At EPCOT, I was able to walk right into just about everything.  If there
    was a line, I just bypassed the attraction and came back at a later
    time.  

    The Magic Kingdom had lines but they weren't extremely long (15 minutes).
    When I went at opening on Sunday morning, I was able to walk right
    into just about every attraction until about 11 a.m.

    I'm hoping that I'm not too spoiled.  This summer I'll be going during
    the busy season so I'll have to deal with lines.  Hopefully, I'll hit
    them when they are short.

    NOTE:  If you go during off season, you will NOT get to see the Main
           Street Electrical Parade or fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.
           Also, some attractions may be closed for refurbishing.  (The
           monorail from the Ticket and Transportation Center was down,
           and Big Thunder Mtn. Railroad was closed has fall.)

    
    I went in May of '89 and was there for Memorial Day Weekend. For
    those of you who are curious, I'll list to the best of my recollection
    my expenses for the week. This was 2 adults for a 1 week stay. The
    hotel/air may seem a tad expensive but considering the late booking,
    2 weeks prior, it may be appropriate.
    
    
     Air Fare / Hotel                             $ 840
     ----------------
         The airfare was RT via American from Logan/Boston. The hotel
        was the Comfort Inn located off of Rt 535 in Lake Buena Vista.
        The hotel's location was only 3-5 minutes from the I-4 exit
        for Epcot. It generally took me 10 min. max to get to Epcot's
        parking lot. As for the ammenities at the hotel, it did have
        a small lounge, outdoor pool, breakfast/dining facilities. I'd
        have to say the pool really didn't come into play at all because
        it closed at 10 pm and I never made it back from WDW earlier.
         There was a Denny's, Burger King, Popeyes, Waffle House, all
        located on Rt.535 about 1-2 minutes from the hotel. For the
        most part, the hotel was only used for sleeping, because this
        vacation was a 7 am to midnight+ mission for the majority of
        it's extent.
    
     Admissions 
     ----------
          WDW 3 day World Passport for (2)       $ 150
          Sea World                    (2)       $  40 (?)
          Discovery Island             (2)       $  12
          River Country                (2)       $  12
          Busch Gardens                (2)       $  45
                                                 -----
                                                 $ 259
    
      Shows & Food  (for 2 adults)
      ------------
    
        This will be hard but I'll list the major culinary activities.
    
          Arabian Nights Dinner Show                   $  50
          Polynesian Reveue Dinner Show                $  50
          Chef De' Paris (?) in Epcot (dinner)         $ 130
          Someplace In Canada, in Epcot (dinner)       $  40
          
         The rest includes various breakfasts, lunches
         and treats the rest of the week. (Very little
         of this total includes alcohol ($30) is about
         right.)                                       $ 300
                                                       -----
                                                       $ 570
      
    
    
      Misc.
      ----------
    
          Parking                                      $  20
          Camera film/developing                       $ 100
          Souveniers                                   $ 200
          Limo Service                                 $  40
                                                       -----
                                                       $ 360
     
      Rental Car
      ----------
    
         Superior at Orlando Intnl.                    $ 110
         Fuel Fee                                      $  12
         Gas                                           $  30
                                                       -----
                                                       $ 152
    
                                                       ========
      *** Total ***   (+/- $50)                        $ 2181  
    
    
     This years June trip should prove to be a little different. I'll
    post info on this years after it's completion.
    
    George
    
    P.S.  Jealous of all you that have WDW smiles in March/Apr/May !!!!
    
    
    

re: .3
    
>    I went in May of '89
    
    Can I borrow your time machine?  It would come in handy for so many
    things. :-)

    
    Sorry....  May '88
    
       It sounded good though....

    According to a staff member at the Grand Floridian, the least busy
    time of year for WDW is the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

    The first time I went to EPCOT was on Super Bowl Sunday when the
    Super Bowl was in Tampa (this was in 1984).  *Nobody* was at EPCOT
    that day! We waltzed right into every ride.  Completely spoiled me
    for future visits... :-)
						-- Nina

    Just for comparison my '87 trip cost me around $3K for 7 night's, for 2
    adults and a 8 year old (at the time), which included
    
      - 5 Night world Vacation Plan - Disney Inn
      - 2 Night's addidtional Logging - Disney Inn
      - Airfare for 3 on Peidmont was $182/person round trip back then
      - Rental Car for 2 days (National, Car Care Center)
      - Rental Car (National)  to/from Logan Airport to/from Manchester NH.
          Airport 
      - 3 meals per day wether on Plan or not  
      - Medievel Times in Kissemee
    
    Overall I came out about $100  ahead on the Vacation plan, rented water
    sprites  3 times, Top Of the World,  Hoop-Dee-Doo,  Melvin  The  Moose,
    Dinner at Japan/France in Epcot etc.
    
    
    Claude

    My SO and I went in May 1988.  We stayed at the Sheraton Lakeside Inn
    and rented a car from National (I think it was a Pontiac Sunbird).  We
    spent 3 days in WDW, one afternoon at River Country, one day at
    SeaWorld, one day at Cocoa Beach,and one day golfing and swimming.  We
    went to King Henry's Feast - I highly recommend this dinner show.   The
    rest of the week we ate well, but not extravagant.  We got a really
    good deal on Piedmont for RT tickets out of Worcester.  Adding in film,
    souveniers, and misc., we spent about $1600 for 7 nights and 8 days.  
    
    My SO had never been to Florida or WDW, and it was my 2nd trip.  It was
    the best vacation that either of us had taken.
    
    We went in May, the week BEFORE Memorial weekend (we left the Sunday
    before Memorial Day).  This time of year is great.  The weather is
    beautiful (80's, not too humid) and the crowds are minimal.  Epcot was
    open to 9pm all week, and one of the days (I think Wed.) it was open
    until 11pm for the Laser light and fireworks show.  It was mentioned
    earlier that if you go during a quite time of year, you miss the
    Electric light parade and some of the fireworks.  I say "so what" !  I
    would rather avoid the crowds than have to fight the crowds for an
    hours worth of lights.  Anyway, the parades during the day are great !
    
    Our 'avoid lines plan' for Epcot was as follows ( and will be the same
    when we go again ...)
    
    We found that if we got to Epcot early (8:30am for a 9am opening) and 
    headed for the Spaceship Earth, we would get there before a line
    developed. Then we would make lunch reservations below Spaceship Earth.
    From there, we head to the Countries and roam around there until lunch
    (about 1pm).  Then, we would spend a little more time in the countries
    or in Future World.  We would leave the park about 4pm for supper,
    a swim or both.  We would come back to the park about 6pm and hit the
    rest of Future World.  What ever we didn't see in one day, we would be
    sure to see the next.  I would not recommend rushing around Epcot,
    running from line to line.  Take you time, relax, watch the people,
    just enjoy yourself ! 
    
    Remember what they tell you EPCOT means when you take the tram in the
    parking lot???  It means two things... Experimental Prototype Community
    of Tomorrow.  OR...
    
    	Every Person Comes Out Tired !!
    
    
    	Ellen

    I talked to Central Reservations yesterday.  They have issued
    a special commemorative 4 day passport that is valid at the
    Magic Kingdom/EPCOT Center/Studio.  The cost is $98.  I forgot
    to ask about the price for Magic Kingdom Travel Club members.

    
    Re: .9
    
      How long is the 4-day passport available for ? Will this offer
    continue through the end of the year ?
    
    George

< Note 28.10 by USMFG::GHIGGINS "Oh Nellie !! Your Here At Last..." >
    
>    Re: .9
>    
>      How long is the 4-day passport available for ? Will this offer
>    continue through the end of the year ?
>    
>    George


    Sorry, I forgot to ask that question since I'm interested in 
    purchasing an annual passport.  I received the info by asking if
    the prices had increased.

    mis

    
    By the way, WHAT IS the cost of an annual Passport now ?
    
    Does it include the MGM  ?
    
    Mark (whose going in Aug)
    
    

    
    Re: .13
    
      Tony,
    
        Does this mean the special pass can be used for admission to
      any of the three parks, ie Epcot,MK,Studio, for the 4 days in
      any combination of the three ?
    
     George
    
      P.S. What was the price for children under 10 ?

    Re: .14
    
       George,
    
          I believe your assumption is correct.  From what the person
    told me the pass is good for Epcot, MK, and the Studio.  I did not
    ask her, if like with the regular passes, if you could go to all
    three or a combimation of them in a single day.  My guess is that
    you can.  To double check just give them a call on the phone number
    I listed on .13.
    
         The cost for someone under 10 was also listed on .13, but here
    it is again:  3 thru 9 $80.00, $76.00 with M.K.C. card. Infant to
    3 are free!!!!
    
        I hope this helps you.......
    
    Tony

    
    Also thanks to you, Tony.
    
    Clarification for .15:
    
    I also ordered mine today (to use in Aug/89). I specifically asked
    about the "mixing" of days between MK, EPCOT, and MGM, and the
    assumption is true. You can treat these special 4-day passes just
    like the other multi-day passes. Come-and-Go between any of the
    three (3) Major theme parks.
    
    Piggy me, I ordered 4 sets of the 4-day passes so my fiancee and I
    can pick-and-choose across 8-days of MK, EPCOT, and MGM during our
    12-day stay. The rest of our stay is for Typhoon Lagoon, Boating, 
    WDW village, and other misc stuff.
                    
    I also asked them (CRO reservations) if the annual passports would
    include MGM in the near future, or even this year. She indicated
    that they (Disney Reservations group) didn't know, but they were
    pretty sure it probably would not. "The annual passport (for MK/EPCOT)
    is already a good bargain and the price would have to be increased
    substantially to include Disney MGM" !
 
    They were still not sure what the MGM separate pricing would be
    when it opens, but our discussion lead me to believe that these
    4-day special passes are definitely a bargain,
    
    	"while they last" !
    
   
    Mark,
    
    
   

    
    
    We are thinking of buying one of these 3 or 4 day passess.  Do these
    tickets have to be bought/reserved in advance or can they be purchased
    at the door when we get there?  We are leaving on May 25th for 10
    days and it seems to be a looooong wait.
    
    Thanks for the info.
    
    Regards
    
    Geetha

    You can buy at the door.  In fact, if you buy a 3-day pass and find
    you want to stay a 4th day, you pay only the cost difference between
    the 3-day and 4-day pass.

    Have fun...
    
-Andy

    
    RE: .18
    
     The World Passports can be bought at the gate on the day of your
    visit.  I've never heard of being able to buy them early, by way
    of the mail, reservations, ect....  Perhaps, that would be a good
    business for the new Disney Retail stores to get involved with.
     Unless you are a guest of a resort, I suggest that you get your
    ticket early, perhaps getting it the day before, so you won't have
    to wait in the ticket line, just the turnstyle lines, or, on that
    day, show up at least 45 min. before park opening (or earlier, who
    knows what the crouds will be like with the Studio opening that
    month).  If you're a resort guest, you can get your tickets near
    the front desk.
    
     I don't know if you can get your tickets for the Studio, early,
    or even if they have decided to include it in with the Passports.
     
     Anyone else know?
    
    Rich

    
    Well, lets be careful here.
    
    There is also a "SPECIAL" 4-day pass (commemorative) that includes
    Disney-MGM, and CAN be ordered by phone/credit card. (see .17).
    It has a special rate and is limited (according to CRO and .13)
    and could change "after" Disney-MGM opens. Its rate is different
    than the "regular 4-day Epcot-MK world passport". I don't know about
    ordering "regular" world passports in advance.
    
    Suggest reading .13 through .17 carefully.
    
    (Are we having "passport" fun yet ? !)
    
    Mark
    
    

    I was told you could buy your 3-4 or 5 days passes at the Disney
    Stores.  When I visit my parents in Ocala Florida, I go to the
    Disney Store that is on I-75 in Ocala and buy mine there.  I've
    also made on site hotel reservations from that same Store.  I don't
    think the Disney Store here in New England make reservations but
    I do think they sell passes.
    
    

    FWI, I talked to CRO (Central Reservations) and they said the
    "special" 4-day World Passports including MK, EPCOT, and MGM are
    available until May 1st.
    
    Also, I *believe* (heavy disclaimers apply) that the CRO people said
    the world passports would be upped in price after May 1st and include
    the MGM contrary to previous notes saying it would be ticketed
    seperately.
    
    As stated elsewhere, price for the commemoritive passports is $95 (or
    there abouts) for adults and I can't recall the childs price.
    
    George
    

    I received my Commemerative tickets Saturday.  They really are flashy!
    Gold paper with an embossed MGM logo.  The prices marked on the
    ticket is $100, so the $98 must be the discounted price.

    Talked to my parents yesterday who live in Florida, and they tell
    me yesterday's paper announced Disney admission ticket prices going up
    May 1.         
    
    I also attended the opening of the Disney Store at the Pheasant
    Lane Mall in NH, and they do sell admission tickets at the Disney
    Store.  I'd buy them at the store before I left if you have one
    in the area, it beats waiting on line down in Florida for 1/2 hour.
    
    
    

    Spoke with WDW information this morning and they told me the 4-Day
    Commemorative MGM/World pass is going for $98 and will available thru
    May 1st.  After May 1st, price for a 4-day World pass was quoted to be
    going to $102.45 (not as great an increase as I had expected) 

-Andy
    
    (PS.-- They wouldn't honor the MKC rate when I called because I
     didn't have my card w/me)

RE -1 >(PS.-- They wouldn't honor the MKC rate when I called because I
     didn't have my card w/me)

That's really odd, when I ordered our tickets last week, I got them for
$95/adult $76/child.  And although I had my MKC right in front of me, I 
never needed to give them the number.  I just told them we were MKC members
and that was good enough.

Disney-bound,

Elaine

    
    RE .26
    
    Ditto to .27
    
    I also got mine for $95/adult (in my hot little hands too !) I too
    had my card handy and "asked" if they needed any info off the card
    and they replied that it wasn't necessary (very trusting).
    
    Anyway, get your card and call 'em back
    
    
    Question for you all (possibly future). 
    
    I went ahead and took advantage of the 4-day commemorative passes
    not knowing what will happen when MGM opens, etc. I bought 4 of
    these 4-day passes for two people to enjoy over 8 days. I've been
    kinda fretting as to wether this was wise or not. If, when MGM opens
    and they decide to create the world passport systems to entirely
    cover MGM (price increase included + covers EPCOT/MK too), and these
    new rates happen to be such that the annual passports or 6 and 7
    day passports are a better deal than the 4-day commemorative, I
    wonder if the 4-day passes are "exchangeable" for an upgrade to
    the newer passports  ????
    
    (I mentioned 6, and 7 day passports because in '86, they had these
    at Polynesian Village but were never "advertised anywhere")
    
    If no one has any comments about "exchangeability" of commenorative
    passports (only if a better deal comes up) then I guess we'll have
    to wait for some trip reports after May 1.
    
    Mark (who-is-loosing-sleep-cause-I-are-excited-about-the-trip-soon-to-
          be)
    
    

    D.E.C (Crimson Travel) is currently offering a trip to WDW for 
    this June. $519 p.p. double occ.. One of the things it states is 
    that 4 day passports are included and that they are good for MK, 
    Epcot, AND MGM. Can't remember if it had been established yet 
    wether the passports would include the new attractions. Being a
    package deal, I have no idea what the 4 day passports are worth.
    
    Steve

    Re: .27 & .28
    
    Well, I am unable to locate my MGC card and am not certain how to
    handle it.  If I'm to purchase any commemorative passes by the 1-May
    deadline, I'll need to get one quick.  Unfortunately, the last time
    I had to deal with this (getting a card here in Atlanta) it was
    far from quick.
    
    Ideas?
    
-Andy (who who'll consider purchasing from an individual if they take
    VISA)

    re: .30
    
    Why don't you call Corporate Employee Activities, (see note 2.8 for
    DTN), and ask if they can issue a MKC card in your name, give you the
    number on the phone, and then mail the card to you.  If you explain why
    you are doing it, they may be able to help. 
    
    You really only need the actual card when you are checking-in to
    a Disney Hotel, or making a ticket or merchandise purchase.

    I don't have my card with me now, but ANYONE in this conference
    whould be able to post the chapter number, lower right side of card.
    Thats all you need on the phone. so someone do it for the poor guy!.
    ed
    

    
    DEC Chapter number 72719
    
    Mark
    

    Andy,
    
    And my  chapter  #  is  50017,  so  as  you  can see, there seems to be
    different chapter #'s for the different locations in DEC.  You might be
    better off to ask  someone  locally what the chapter # is, just in case
    Diseny keeps track of things like that.
    
    Claude

    Moved by moderator, since this is currently being discussed here.
    
    Claude
    
                <<< INDMKT::DUA0:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DISNEY.NOTE;1 >>>
                                 -< DISNEYANA >-
================================================================================
Note 81.0                       Passports/Tickets                        1 reply
GEMVAX::VIENS                                         8 lines  12-APR-1989 14:56
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    What are the current prices of the different passports?
    I'm particulary interested in a 5-day (?) passport.
    
    (I know they will probably be changing soon due to the MGM Studio
    opening, but just to get a gauge for price...)
    

    
    
    Now how about prices for admission to the other attractions: River
    Country, Discovery Island, Typhoon Lagoon, and any others that may
    exist?
    
    Jessica
    

>< Note 28.12 by GENRAL::HIMES "Close Encounters of the Disk Kind" >
>                        -< Cost of Annual Passport ? >-
>
>    
>    By the way, WHAT IS the cost of an annual Passport now ?
>    
>    Does it include the MGM  ?
>    
>    Mark (whose going in Aug)
    
	I just received the latest on annual passes.  Reprinted
	without permission:

   "All Annual Passports issued after April 9, 1989 will inclue 
   unlimited admission to the DISNEY-MGM Studios Theme Park--in
   addition to unlimited admission to the MAGIC KINGDOM and EPCOT
   Center.  As a Magic Kingdom Club Annual Passholder and valued
   guest, you're invited to take advantage of a special renewal
   offer:

       $145 (plus tax) for adults, $125 (plus tax) for children
       (ages 3-9).  That compares to a "new issue" price of
       $180 (plus tax) for adults, $160 (plus tax) for children
       (ages 3-9).

   If  your passport is not up for renewal until later in the year,
   you can still get in on the fun!  Just stop by the Guest Relations
   Window at any of the trhee parts after May 1 and we will credit
   the remaining months on your passport toward the purcashe of
   your new three-park Annual Passport."

    
    Well isn't that interesting !
    
    I was lead to believe from earlier conversations with CRO that an
    annual passport that included MGM would be significantly higher
    in price. So I purchased 4 each of the 4-day Commemorative passes
    for two people to use for 8-days (of my 12-day stay).
    
    Soooooooooooo, I just called Central reservations and had a discussion
    about this. Turns out the 4-day commemorative prices (gold colored
    tickets, include MGM) are a price bargain for real 4-day only users.
    
    I have been informed that I can "exchage" my commemorative passes
    for credit to obtain this new annual passports when I get there.
    The Agent quoted me a current MKC price of $ 174.15 for an annual
    passport that includes MGM, EPCOT, and MK. I mentioned that the
    value of my four 4-day passes was slightly higher than the cost
    of two annual passes. He was not sure of how exactly that would
    work but to bring my MKC card and the 4-day passes to a Guest Relations
    office and obtain the exchage and credit.
    
    This exchange cannot be handled by any of the guest relations at
    any of the "hotels" but must be performed at the TTC (Ticket
    Transportation Center), or at Guest Relations just outside the EPCOT
    Center.
    
    So for those who wish to upgrade (as I will be doing), you CAN do
    it. This will obviously give me a lot more flexibility for my 12-day
    stay as well as some possible additional short trips during the
    remainder of the annual passport period !!!
    
    Great !!


    107 days and counting
    
    MARK !!
        
    

    
      I just ordered my 4-Day Commemorative Passes yesterday, and got
    so more info that I didn't see here. Upon arrival at WDW, you need
    to take your Commemorative Passes to either Guest Relations at the
    TTC or Epcot. Here they will remove part of the pass for their
    records and you retain the commerative piece.
    
      Here they will issue you some other type of passport for the 4
    days. I hope that Guest Relations isn't busy on the first day I
    go. One of the reasons I ordered these passes was to avoid lines.
    
    53 Days & Counting !!!!!!
    
    George 

    
    Thanks for the info!!!! 
    
    Just 1 question - where and what is the TTC???
    
    

    
     Re: TTC ?
    
         Transportation and Ticket Center...
    
      

    It's where the Epcot Monorail Run meets the Lagoon Monorail run.
    It's also where you get on the Monorail from the Parking lot to
    go to the Magic Kingdom.
    
    59 Days and Counting...
    Steve O

    
    RE .43
    
     It's also next to the Poly.
    
    DIRECTIONS:
    
     By Car:
       Follow signs to Magic Kingdom, go through Toll Plaza for Magic
    Kingdom Parking, STAYING ON YOUR RIGHT OF THE TOLL PLAZA (quite
    important, unless you learned to drive in Boston and know how to
    get from 10th lane on left to 1st on right (ie: Callihan/Sumner
    Tunnels)).  Don't follow the 4 lanes toward the left, unless you
    are parking for the day, stay in right lane but go straight, don't
    keep going right or you'll end up in Fort Wilderness. At 3-Way stop,
    take a left.  Go past Pet Care Kennels (don't park here), go through
    stop sign and take next right into Inconvienced Guest Parking
    (Handicapped Parking) and tell the person at the booth that you
    are just getting tickets.  If they aren't too busy, they will let
    you park, for a little while. (find out if they are busy while you
    are going through Toll Plaza)
      On your way out, get a refund for your parking ticket which you
    had to pay for, at Car Care Center in the little store at the self-
    service gas station (For those of you who haven't been there for
    a little while the self-serve is new).  You are allowed a refund
    if you haven't been longer than ~1 hr.
    
     By Bus:
    
      Almost all buses go to the TTC to connect with other buses.
    
     By Monorail:
    
      All monorails go to the TTC.
    
     By Boat:
    
      The Staten Island Ferries operate between the Magic Kingdom and
    the TTC.
    
     By foot:
    
      From the Poli, follow the new signs.
    
    
    Rich

    
    re .46
    
    Thanks for the great directions Rich!!
    
    We will be heading for the Contemporary first thing in the morning
    to pre-check in.  I guess from there we will board the monorail
    (if it stops there - it's our first time staying at a WDW resort
    and only our second trip to WDW so we don't have much experience)
    and get off at the TTC.
    
    

    The monorail does not stop at the Contemporary, but in it, if they
    have finished construction for the large trains. 

    I am going to WDW in about 3 weeks.  We plan on staying 3 days
    and seeing MK, Epcot and MGM.  It sounds like I can't buy a
    3-day pass and even if I could, it would not include MGM.
    
    This means I need to buy 3 one-day passes -- one for each
    park.  I wouldn't mind doing that; but it might be better
    to buy a 4-day pass that included the three parks and save
    the unused day for another trip.  Is there such a thing and
    how much does it cost?
    
    Thanks!
    
    o_o
    Ann  

    re. 52
    
    Ok.  I guess I wasn't sure if the passports included MGM since the
    date of the note was so close to its opening.
    
    Can I assume the 4-day passport include MGM?  (boy do I have a
    one-track mind...!)
    
    Thanks,
    Ann

    and don't forget the passports are good forever!  I still have one day
    left on two 3-day passports from '83.  They were bought then because we 
    only had one day and wanted to switch off from EPCOT to MK and we used
    the second day on each visit before last.  
    
    -(gaw)
    

    
    Ann,
    
    The new price for 4-day passes (all three parks) is $ 97 for adults.
    
    I have four of the Commemorative 4-day passes that I got for $95
    each (adults). As it stands I plann to exchange them for upgrade
    to Annual passes. I could easily sell any quantity back to you
    for the same price ( $95 each). That's only a couple of $ savings
    each but what the hell, their big, gold colored passes !
    
    Mark
    
    
                                             
    If interested, send mail to GENRAL::HIMES

    	I have a question concerning the 4-day pass for WDW. I bought 4-day
    passes in January for WDW. Are these passes good for the MGM Studios or
    do I have to trade them in for the latest 4-day pass?
    
    Dave Milley

rep to < Note 28.58 by LEDS::MILLEY >

>    	I have a question concerning the 4-day pass for WDW. I bought 4-day
>    passes in January for WDW. Are these passes good for the MGM Studios or
>    do I have to trade them in for the latest 4-day pass?

    It appears you'll  have to trade in the unused portions along with some
    $$'s for new passes  that allow the Disney-MGM Studios.  You'll be able
    to do this at Guest  relations  at  the  TTC  and  Epcot see .40-42 for
    details etc.
    
    Claude

    Will be traveling to Disney <driving> for 4 day visit in July with
    wife and 2 children, ages 11 and 13. Where is the closest "Disney
    Store" around the Worcester, Ma. area where I may purchase a 4 Day
    Passport AND is the Magic Kingdom Card accepted for these advance
    purchases.
    
    Also looking forward to first visit since 1974!!
    
    Thanks for any info.
    
                     -Stan

    There are Disney Stores in at the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua, The
    Burlington Mall, and at South Shore Plaza in Braintree.
    
    Passports can also be purchased by mail, and at the Disney Guest
    Center in Ocala FL, off the highway, about an hour north of WDW.
    
    Any of these sources should accept your MKC discount.

    Vacation packages include 4-day passes and if they are valued at
    somewhere between $90-$100 each then the Vacation packages look
    even better.
    
    If a family of 4 is looking at a package (excluding airfare and meals)
    that totals $1000 for 4 nights it then would break down to a range of
    $600-640 for lodging ($360-400 for tickets). 
    
    That breaks down to $150-160 per night or $38-40 per person per night.
    
    Does this sound right?
    
    Mike

    I too am going to Disney.  Already have my tickets.  Leaving Manchester
    NH airport round trip $250/person.
    
    I've called Disney/Floriday, and the price of a 4 day pass for an adult
    is $104.50 and for children under 9 $83.50.
    
    You can also get hotels for as low at $15/night.  Depending on how far
    you want to drive in Kissimmee.  There are some closer ones that we
    might book for $28/night for 4 people (2 double beds/room).  Sometimes
    I think the package deals are really not package deals.  I have also
    found out that when calling for hotel prices, I call and just ask then
    a few minutes later call again and say I am a Magic Kingdom Club Member
    and the price is still the same, NO DISCOUNT!
    
    Exactly 5 months from today can't wait!!! (December 12th - 19th OFF
    SEASON the one week between Thanksgiving and Christmas that gives you 
    off season rates.....)
    
    Karen
    
    

    Karen,
    
    I'd be careful of those $20-30 per night motels. You may want to check
    in here as to whether anyone has stayed in any of these places.
    
    Just protecting one of my Disney brothers/sisters.
    
    Mike_who_one_year_from_today_will_be_celebrating_his_40th_birthday_in_WDW
    
    

    Just a note, you stated $104. for 4 day pass for adult.  Through
    the Magic Kingdom, (one of the vacation plans) we had 5 day passes
    and the price on the back said $107.00 plus tax??!!  I also agree
    with checking out the $20-30 per night motels..  Our first nite
    in Orlando, we stayed at a $45.00 a night motel, before going to the
    Polynesian.  It was o.k., pretty clean etc, BUT, the shower power left
    A LOT to be desired... more like a trickle!!  Towels were at a minimum.
    It WAS,however, on International Drive,so the location wasn't too
    bad.
    
    Have a great time!!  Just came back and already planning the next
    trip.
    
    Carla
    

    Is there a place somewhere in The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or MGM where
    you can cash traveler's cheques other than a store or a restaurant?
    
    Let's say you're low on cash and you want to convert a cheque to cash.
    Is there something like a bank (hate to use that word) or some place
    similar?
    
    Mike

    It's been a few years since I've been, but I believe there is a
    bank on the left hand side of main street immediatly after you enter
    the park. I can remember cashing travelers checks there on my honeymoon
    about eleven years ago.
    
    JA

Yes, .-1 is correct about the bank in the MK town square.  The name is
Sun Bank, I think.  Don't recall seeing one in Epcot or MGM.  I think you
can also cash them at WDW hotels, if you are a guest there.  Also, if you
are a WDW hotel guest you get an ID which allows you to charge things
like meals (Epcot and MGM only) to your room.  We did that and it was quite
handy.  Of course, all that ended up on the VISA.  You can charge with
VISA, Master Card, and AMEX in WDW.

    Yes, you can cash them at the WDW hotels, up to $100 per day, if
    you are a guest of the hotel.  
    
    I'm not sure, but I "thought" I saw a Sun Bank in MGM --- but could
    be wrong.  Did see the one in Magic Kingdom.  Birnbaum's guide
    also speaks to where the banks are, and process to cash traveler's
    checks.  Also, the stores all accepted traveler's checks.
    
    Carla
    

    
    There is a sun bank in the magic kindom where you can cash a 
    travelers check.  They will cash 1 check for free and then
    charge you to cash any others.  I don't ecall how much they 
    charged, but I do rember being ticked off at them charging
    to cash it..
    
    dan

    Hi Mike - 
    
    	There are branches of Sun Bank in all 3 theme parks; on Main Street
    in the MK, on Hollywood Boulevard at the Disney-MGM Studios, and to the
    left of the turnstiles as you enter EPCOT Center.
    
    The Birnbaum book say that there is also one at the Disney Village
    Marketplace.
    
    peter

    There is a large Sun Bank office just across the street from Disney
    Village, at one of the 3/4-way-stop intersections.  The Disney travel
    co. is located in the same building. 

    A nice feature to the banks in the parks is that they are open 365
    days a year, maybe not the entire time the park is open, but every
    day.  The Sun Bank in the Village is closed Sundays.  Also,  the
    people who work in the banks are not Disney Cast Members, but Sun
    Bank employees who must confirm to the Disney Look.
    

When we were there last month, the banks closed EARLY (4:30).  I don't know 
if this is the case year 'round  -but- it SEEMED mighty inconvienent at the 
time.

    Re: Passes
    
    Does anyone have up-to-date info on the multi-day passes being offerred
    at WDW?
    
    I would like to see something like this posted:
    
                      Adults       Children
    
    2-Day World Pass  $?????       $?????  
    
    3-Day World Pass  $?????       $?????  
    
    4-Day World Pass  $?????       $?????   
    
    5-Day World Pass  $?????       $?????
    
    Do all of these exist? Let's say you go for one of the MKC packages
    that includes a 4-day pass. If you want to supplement that could you
    purchase one of those above? Any guesses on the 1990 prices?
    
    Also, just to make sure everyone understands how these passes work let
    me throw out this and please let me know if this is correct:
    
       8:00 - Enter Epcot
      11:30 - Leave Epcot
      12:00 - Enter MGM
       1:00 - Leave MGM
       1:30 - Leave WDW for Orlando side Trip (Boardwalk and Baseball)
       6:00 - Enter MK
      12:00 - Return to hotel room
    
    Question: Have I used only one day of my 4-day pass?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Mike
    
    
    

    Yes - only one day.  As you leave each park, they have someone stamping
    your hand... then when you go back in they check the stamp, plus
    your stamped multi-day pass.
    
    As I understand it, it is only the ONE day pass that you have to
    go to the SAME park.
    
    Carla
    

>    Does anyone have up-to-date info on the multi-day passes being offered
>    at WDW?
>    
>    I would like to see something like this posted:

    You would see something like that posted if you looked in note 96.1.  A
    little creative use of the DIRECTORY command would have found that note
    rather quickly.

    In addition to the four and five day passports listed, I believe there
    is an unadvertised six day passport.  Also there is an annual passport
    available.  The break even point between multi-day passports and the
    annual passport is around seven days.
    
    These are 1989 prices.  The prices for the next year are usually announced
    around the middle of December.
    
    Your grumpy moderator,
    Len.

                <<< INDMKT::DUA0:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DISNEY.NOTE;2 >>>
                                 -< DISNEYANA >-
================================================================================
Note xxx.x             Question regarding "Year-Long" pass            No replies
WHYNOW::NEWMAN "What, me worry? YOU BET!"            14 lines  27-JUL-1989 20:53
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I was not able to find this topic coverd anywhere else so I thought I
    would ask.  If it is, just point me in the right direction.
    
    We (2 adults & 1 child) will be going to WDW for 9 days in November (we
    will actually have 7 full days at WDW).  Friends of us (2 adults & 2
    children) will be going to WDW a few months later.  The question I have
    is around the "all-year" pass.
    
    Can anyone tell me if these are transferrable?  We are comparing each
    family purchasing the necessary 5-day + 2-day passes or purchasing the
    year passes and splitting the cost.  It appears to be a way to save
    money but I want to know if it is "allowed".
    
    Thanks

    No, it is not allowed. Each annual passport is like an I.D. card,
    with bearers name and photograph on it, and is issued with dire
    warnings about misuse. If you take it to extremes, if they were
    officially transferrable, you could get 365 days admission for $190,
    which would make a hole in Mike Eisner's meagre salary, and is to
    be avoided at all costs. The average use of an annual passport is
    about 13 days we were told when we were being photographed at TTC.
    
    7 days is about the break even point, but what an incentive to 'just
    slip down for a couple of days' if you can get in free for the rest
    of the year!! The renewal cost of $145 makes it good value if you 
    are planning on returning the next year. 
    
    If you want to try it on (False beard and glasses etc), checking is 
    usually pretty cursory, but on several occasions a turnstile 
    operator addressed the kids by name. Perhaps just being friendly, 
    but how embarassing if your 5 year old turns round and says "My
    name is Elizabeth, NOT Anastasia!"  Not worth the risk IMHO, especially
    if you get 'Blacklisted' and forbidden entry to the Dream forever.
                    

    re .79
    
    Thanks - That's what I kind of figured but I thought I would check
    anyway

    I will be spending 6 days in WDW during the first week of December.  I
    do not see any 6 day passes advertised.  Do they exist?
    
    I have heard that you can upgrade passes.  Can I buy 5 day passes, use
    them for 1 day, then upgrade to another 5 day pass.  I would expect to
    pay the difference between a 4 and 5 day pass.
    
    /Jim Pappas

    What is the current cost of an annual passport?
    
    George
    

I called WDW since nobody answered my question in -.2

I called MKC to ask if 6 or 7 day passes were available.  They said not through
MKC but they gave me the passport office tel number for more info.  I called
there and they said you could buy 6 or 7 day passes only if you were staying on
WDW property but only through the CRO.  They gave me that number.  I called and
the CRO said they only sell 4 or 5 day passes.

BTW,  The current prices for annual passports are:


		Initial price		Renewal

Adult		$174.15			$152.90
Child (3-9)	$153.05			$131.85

Note that these prices include tax (I believe 9%) which is not included in the
normally advertised 4 and 5 day ticket prices. Renewals must be made before the
expiration date.

Has anyone bought a 6 or 7 day passport recently?  I would prefer to go that
route since I probably will not go back to WDW within the next year it is
likely to be less than a annual passport.

/Jim Pappas
    

    As of last week the Disney Stores were selling 5 day passes (MKC
    prices) at $112 for adults and $89 for children.
    
    I didn't ask but I would assume that a 10 yr. old child would need an
    adult ticket. Is that correct?
    
    Also, does anyone know whether or not a ticket purchased in October or
    November of 1989 would be honored next Summer even though the prices
    may go up?
    
    It seems to me that anyone planning on going should opt to get the
    tickets now just in case a price hike occurs.
    
    Mike
    

    Last time I checked (2+ years ago admittedly!) 12 was the cut-off;
    can't remember if it was 12 and under are kids or 12 and older are 
    adults, but under either scenario, 10 is STILL a child!!!
    
    Also, tickets purchased are good forever!  Some can even be upgraded.
    Ask for details at any of the locations or phone numbers listed
    elsewhere in this conference!
    
    MAH
    

    At DisneyLand it is 12 and under but at DisneyWorld it is 9 and
    under.  However, unless the child is really tall.... he/she can
    pass for 9 for a lot of years as they don't really check unless
    it is veryyyy aparent.
    
    Cheers

    I just received in the mail a flyer from Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom
    Club:
    
    Exclusive Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Club Offer
    
    Your 4th nnight is now FREE at participating Walt Disney World Resorts!
    
    If you've been waiting for perfect weather.  When it's less busy, more
    accommodating than ever.  And you've wished for a super great price
    value.  Now's the time to stay inside the Walt Disney World Resort. 
    Your fourth night is FREE at the participating resort of your choice: 
    The Disney Inn, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort,
    Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort or Village Resort... For reservations,
    call The Magic Kingdom Club Travel Center.  1-407-827-7200.
    
    In fine print:
    
    Reservations must be booked in advance.  Free night available only to
    members who stay in a participating resort for three nights or more. 
    Offer is subject to availabilities and does not apply to Vacation
    Plans, group commission rates or any other special promotion, concierge
    service, suites (except Disney Village Resort Club Suites), or
    preferred campsites.  Membership card must be presented at check in. 
    Some restrictions apply.  Valid now through February 8, 1990, excluding
    holidays.

    re: Fourth Night Free

    I just got off the phone with MKC travel center.  

    The gotcha on this deal is that you can not use BOTH the 20% MKC
    discount AND the Fourth Night Free program.  Additionally, the two
    programs come out of different "availability pools".  In other words,
    one might be available, and the other not.

    If you are booking only three nights at regular price, then adding a
    fourth night for free amounts to a 25% discount.  If you are booking
    four nights, a free fifth night equates to a 20% discount, a wash with
    the regular MKC discount.  More nights, and the 20% MKC deal wins.

    Also, they would not let me count the additional night on my Vacation
    Kingdom Holiday as an additional night on this program.  I would have
    had to re-book it as hotel accommodations only.

    Well, it was worth a shot.

    As of October 1, 1989 the resort tax in Florida increased from 9% to
    10%.  

    I found this out the hard way when I sent a check to WDW for the
    balance due on my Vacation Kingdom Holiday.  In the return mail I
    received a statement that my new balance due was $5.12.  

    When I called the MKC Travel Center, they explained the difference was
    because of the tax increase.  When I protested that the package price
    is quoted as including tax, they repeated that the state raised the
    tax, therefore I have to pay more.  Doesn't "includes tax" mean
    "includes tax"?  Should I have to worry if the tax goes up or down?

    The paperwork with the reservation says "The 1989 resort rates are
    honored through December 18, 1989."  There is nothing about rates may
    change without notice.  Can they do this?

    I know it's only five bucks, but that will buy my kid a hot dog and a
    soda in the Magic Kingdom.

    If you are holding reservations in a WDW Resort, make sure you check
    what you think it is going to cost.  The difference can add up,
    especially for visits of a week or more.

    Well, time is running short until we leave for WDW on 11/17/89.  In
    finaizing our plans it appears that due to the fact that we will be at
    WDW for 7+ days it is cheaper to purchase an annual pass for each of us
    than two 4-day tickets.  In previous replies there was talk about a
    7-day pass.  When I called WDW the did not mention this.  Does it
    really exist?  What does it cost?
    
    Assuming we do purchase annual passes, specifically where at WDW do you
    purchase them?  Can you pay by charge card?  If so, what ones?  We want
    to get this planned in advance so we don't waste time getting tickets.
    
    Thanks

    This is Disney we are talking about! They will take your money any
    way you want to pay - cash, Disney dollars, beads, wampum, Visa,
    Mastercard, personal cheques (checks) supported by a bank card.
    You can buy/pay for them at any ticket desk, but the Annual Passport 
    is a solid credit-card type, has a photograph, and is (I believe)
    only made up at the Guest Relations office at the TTC. We paid for
    ours at the Fort Wilderness ticket window, and then went to the
    TTC. There was a long line, but one of the cast members was constantly
    checking along the line, and took us straight into the back office
    to take the photos and make up the passports. It took about 15 mins,
    and we got complimentary coffee or OJ while waiting.
    
    I heard about 7 day passports too, but could not find any Disney
    member who who had seen one. If anyone knows that they really exist,
    please reply, some friends who are going with us at Christmas need
    more than a 5 day, but less than an annual.
    
    Mike in Warrington UK (29 days to go!)

    Some friends, who are visiting WDW over Christmas, have some unused
    days on pre-MGM passports. Can they be traded in against 4/5 day
    three park passports, what is the trade-up rate, and could they
    be used against Annual Passports?
    
    Mike in Warrington, UK.

rep to   <<< Note 28.92 by WARDER::BATTY "So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish!" >>>

>    Can they be traded in against 4/5 day
>    three park passports, what is the trade-up rate, and could they
>    be used against Annual Passports?
    
    Mike,
    
    For details  on  trading  in see an earlier reply to this topic (.40 or
    so).  As  far  as the rate they'll probably have to wait until they get
    there or Call/Write WDW #'s/address are listed in 2.0
    
    Claude

    If you want to go to EPCOT first, you can get an annual passport at the
    guest relations office at EPCOT, to the far right of the entrance.
    
    --Jay
    

    Wouldn't Birnbaum's '90 guide answer some of these questions?
    
    Mike

   RE: <<< Note 28.95 by COEM::SCOPA "The Major" >>>
   
   > Wouldn't Birnbaum's '90 guide answer some of these questions?
    
    Birnbaum's '90 guide, as well as the earlier editions, says almost
    nothing about annual passes.
    
    /Jim Pappas

    Jim,
    
    I realized that only after flipping thru the '90 edition I picked up
    last night.
    
    Mike

    
�   I think you misunderstood, because I  believe it includes snacks in the
�   room, but not in the parks.

    Snacks in the room, but only things chosen off the room-sevice menu
    (not much for kids).  Their idea of a snack is almost a meal, you
    can't just order up a bag of chips.

    Also, snacks in the hotel fast-food place are also included.
    
SEAN/BEER=LABATTS    

    We have recently returned from WDW (yes, I know that my trip report is
    delinquent :-) ).  In note 28.90 I asked a question about annual
    passes.  THis was because we would be there longer than the 5-day pass
    and it appeared cheaper to purchase an annual pass rather than two
    4-day passes.  This is what I found out about tickets when we purchased
    them.
    
    We stayed at the Carribean Beach Hotel and I purchased my tickets at
    the Guest Services desk in the hotel.  When I inquired about passes I
    was told that they had one-day/one-park passes and four-day/all-park
    and five-day/all-park passes.  I mentioned to the woman that we might
    be wanting to visit for more than 5 days and that wouldn't it be
    chaeaper if I purchased an annual pass instead.
    
    In reply she said that if I purchased a 5-day/all-park pass I could
    extend it for a 6th and a 7th day if I wanted to at 1/5th per day of
    the price of the 5-day/all-park pass.  This would work out cheaper for
    7 days than purchasing an annual pass.  She said that I would have 7
    days after using the 5th day on the pass to purchase the additional
    days.  Also, if I wanted to purchase additional days, this would have
    to be done at the Guest Relations desk at any of the three parks.
    
    With this information I purchased the 5-day passes.  As it turned out,
    this was the best choice since we were all "disneyed out" by the end of
    the 5th day and never purchased additional days.
    
    I hope this is clear and helpful for some people.  I am not sure if
    this is available only to those staying at a WDW resort and/or members
    of the Magic Kingdom Club but it is certainly worth asking about when
    you purchase your tickets.

    Re: .99
    
    What would this come out to at the current price of a 5-day pass?
    
    Let's say the current 5-day pass is $125. That would put the per day
    cost at $25.
    
    So extending it to 6 days would make it $150 and 7 days $175?
    
    Or would it be 1/5th of the per day price ($25) or an additional day
    which would make it only $10 per extra day? That would make the "6 day
    pass" cost $135 or $22.50/day and the "7 day pass" cost $145 or
    $20.71/day.
    
    Again, I am using figures pulled out of the air.
    
    Can anyone clear this up using actual prices?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Mike

    If the price was $125 for a 5 day pass, each additional day would cost
    $25.00.
    
    In November, the cost of a 5 day passport was $107 plus 6% tax with the
    MKC discount.  I don't know if the price went up since then.
    
    Call the WDW information number for the most recent information.
    
    /Jim Pappas

I recently (last week) called as I was considering the same thing (ie. buy
an annual passport to use for the week (and hopefully) beyond).  To my
dismay the cost of an annual passport is currently $190/$175 (adult/child).

-(gaw)

    Jim,
    
    $25 per day sounds like a good deal. Thanks.
    
    Mike

    RE: Note 28.102 by NITMOI::WITHERS 
    
>I recently (last week) called as I was considering the same thing (ie. buy
>an annual passport to use for the week (and hopefully) beyond).  To my
>dismay the cost of an annual passport is currently $190/$175 (adult/child).

    
    Did you ask about the MKC discount?  Is this the price with or without
    tax?   Note 150.1 has the prices as of December.
    
    /Jim Pappas 

    Minor digression not involving the cost of passports follows:
    
    I've gotten some interesting information from this file and felt that
    should contribute some.  A few weeks back, just after Christmas, we
    decided to go back to Disneyworld.  I never was one for booking early.
    Current costs (we leave the day after tomorrow, 1/23).
    
    	Air:	Northwest, $158 roundtrip non-stop.  Fully refundable.
    		Booked 1/12.  There may (or may not) be some 7 day
    		restriction in here.  Tuesday travel also likely helped.
    
    	Hotel:	Polynesian, Lagoon View/Concierge, $99/night thanks to the
    		annual passport deal.  As we'll be there for 8 days and
    		likely go back within a year, the passport seems to be a
    		good deal.

  Does anyone know the current prices as of this january? for a 1 day
  passport and all the rest....Thanks,Tim

    This bit of info could be placed in a number of notes:
    
    Last Friday I made Hoop-Dee-Doo reservations for my two kids, wife, and
    myself. The person at the CRO told me the price for the show would be 
    $108.
    
    Mike

    Linda,
    
    I got the same packet. I would guess the price they gave me included
    Florida meal tax. Just a guess.
    
    Mike

    It's been announced that there will be another price increase at WDW. 
    
    My questions are: Is this a display of *GREED* on WDW part?
    		      If not greed what other motives could there be?
    		      At what price would you stop going?

    OOPS!  I should have removed my *personal* name prior to making the .0
    entry.  I guess that gives away a little about how I stand but I'll
    wait a while to enter my feelings to the questions I've posed.
    

    Hey guys,
    
    Do any of you know if Disney basically uses May 1st as the date when
    they boost their prices? If so, I'm gonna buy my passes in April.
    
    Mike

    
    I think with all of the future, and present construction on both
    US Disney sites we can expect a steady stream of price increases
    for quite some time. Best bet is to buy your passes as early as
    possible. Do you know what this latest increase will be and when
    it will be put in effect ?
    
                           -Rob
    
    P.S. They keep making it harder to get there but, I forget about
    it all while I'm Pirates......
    

I believe the hotel increases are set forth in December for the following
year.  Ie, reservations for June 1991 are "not gaurenteed" until December
1990.  Then increases are mailed and the rates become gaurenteed.  Thats the
way it worked for reservations this year.  Perhaps they set admission prices
etc on the same time frame?

George

    re: .113

�   Do any of you know if Disney basically uses May 1st as the date when
�   they boost their prices? 

    In the past the new admission prices have coincided with the calendar
    year.  (Or perhaps a bit earlier to beat the Christmas rush).  In 1989,
    however, there was a mid-year increase in May in honor of the opening
    of the Disney/MGM Studios Theme Park.

    No one has yet posted, [in note 96 please], the rates for 1990 if
    indeed there was a price increase.  We also don't have insight as to if
    there will be another price increase during the year.

    I do have the 1990 MKC hotel rates as published in December in the MKC
    Membership guide.  Send mail if there is something specific I can help
    with, or call the MKC Travel Center.

    Do not forget the great state of Florida which imposes a "resort tax"
    in addition to a hotel room tax. 
    
    When Florida raises the tax rate, Disney passes it along to you, even
    after they have accepted your payement "in full".
    
    mike

    RE: ticket prices
    
       I talked to my parents yesterday and they said, according to the
    local papers, that prices od the tickets were going up 5% due to
    increased costs.  Also I think their sales tax went up in the fall.
    Each county has the option to add to the sales tax and I believe most
    counties did add 1% point to the tax.
    
    Tony

    
    Hi all you fellow Disney-philes!
    
     I am planning a trip to WDW for either this summer or next.  I was
    wondering if anyone out there happens to know how much rooms in the
    Swan or Dolphin hotels cost.  Does Birnbaum have much to say about
    either one?
    
    Thanks!
    

    Sorry Dan, the 1990 Birnbaum does not list the Swan or the Dolphin.

    The MKC guide does list a "Dolphin Splendor" four night package.  One
    can deduce that the rooms alone cost $181-238/per night depending on
    when you stay, and which room you choose.

    Why don't you call the MKC Travel Center at (407) 824-2600 and ask what
    the rates are, and if there are any other MKC discounts. 

    Let us know what you find out.

    Dan,
    
    About two months ago I received a special Resort Brochure from The
    World and I think they had rates in there and they were pretty
    expen$ive if you catch my drift. I'll try to remember to check on them
    and put it in here tomorrow.
    
    Dan's note triggered another thought. Those, like Dan, who are in
    the planning stage would also benefit from those who have gone.
    
    The expense of traveling and lodging is touched upon in this
    conference, as well as admission prices to the parks.
    
    Other considerations would be food. How much should a family expect to
    pay on a per day basis for food? How much per pre-teen? How much for a
    teenager? How much for an adult? This is not something easy to define
    since everyone is different. However, a range would be good.
    
    Hoop-Dee-Doo is gonna cost you somewhere between $25-$30 per person but
    what about those days? What can you expect to pay for breakfast, lunch,
    dinner, and of course those snacks (Dole Whip, etc.)?
    
    Any thoughts, suggestions, hints, or experiences that can help?
    
    Another expense is SOUVENIRS? We all have our weaknesses and I am no
    exception. If you are a frequent visitor than you may approach this
    differently than one who goes once every 5 years. Also, if you are a
    big family you may be more cost conscious than a family of 4, 3, or a
    childless couple.
    
    I'll submit my thoughts first:
    
    On food:
    
    Again it's hard but I suspect that you would expect to spend anywhere
    from $25-$40/person on food per day over the course of a week. Some
    days you may spend more than others but I think that this range is a
    safe one to expect.
    
    Souvenirs:
    
    This is tough....what do you like? Are you a shopper? Are you a
    collector? This is an individual kind of thing and one that really
    cannot be addressed on a general level.
    
    I'd say if you see something you like and the price is acceptable then
    you get it.
    
    My $.02
    
    Mike

                                          Value        Regular
    					  -----        -------
    Resort double (king bed)         
    or resort twin double (2 queen)        185           210
    
    Garden view King 
    or garden view double                  200           240
    
    Studio View King
    or studio view double                  215           255
    
    
    					  All year round rate
    					  -------------------
    
    Epcot center view king or
    Epcot center view double                      285
    
    Royal Beach Club King (concierge)             325
    
    Royal Beach Club double                       325
    
    Suites                                        425 - 1475
    

                                          Value        Regular
    					  -----        -------
    
    Standard forest view		   190           200
    
    Deluxe forest view			   200	 	 225
    
    Epcot resort view			   210		 245
    
    Epcot center/Disney-MGM Studios
       view                                220           260
    
    Large Luxury                           260           285
    
    Towers                                 285           325
    

    After transportation and lodging the next biggest expense is food and
    we have just scratched the surface in this area. There is a note on
    Dining in WDW but unlike this note the information in that note is not
    as concerned with the expense as this note is.
    
    Therefore if anyone has any guidelines or suggestions as to what you
    can expect to spend on food at our favorite place on Earth here is the
    place to do so.
    
    Of course we all have different tastes but basically this can be a
    start for those budgeting for a late 1990 vacation or a 1991 vacation.
    
    It's never too early to start saving.
    
    It may be helpful to break up this info as far as adults and children
    and as far as meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner).
    
    The best source for this info would be those of you who have visited
    The World within the last year or so.
    
    Mike

    Hi Mike - How long till you go?  You want to wait another year :)
    
    FWIW - on our trip last Nov, we spent approx $1000 for food.  There 
    were 4 of us, myself, my wife, 12 year old daughter and 10 year old
    son.  We were there for 11 days.  We did not cook any of our own meals.
    We had 2 lunches and 2 suppers at EPCOT (I think!)  We did not take in
    any of the dinner shows.  We did have lunch in the castle once and the
    character dinner buffet in the Contemporary one evening.
    
    Included in that price is also snacks during the day and the food we 
    had in our CBR room.  For those who don't recall my trip report, 
    we purchased a styrofoam cooler from Goodings and used it for things
    like milk, oj, yogurt, soda ...  These items, along with cereal,
    granola bars, chips, cookies ..., were used for evening snacks and some
    morning breakfasts.
    
    We really didn't skimp on food, but we also didn't mind, actually a few
    times looked forward to, going to McDonald's for a meal.
    
    - peter

    One of the pleasant surprises I found was the reasonable prices for
    children's meals at full service restaurants all around the World.  I
    think they are a much better deal than the fast food.

    Things like PB&J were about $2.50, not a great deal, but what do you
    pay at Friendly's?  Kid's hot dogs and burgers are about the same.

    At typical kid's breakfast was about $2-3, of course there are lots of
    breakfast buffets on I-drive or 192 that charge 99� for kids.

    The best deal I thought was kid's dinners.  They were usually less than
    $5.  At Germany in Epcot my guys each had � chicken, served with apple
    sauce and a potato pancake and a beverage for $4.95.

    Adult meal prices are on the high side of average.  This is a resort
    after all.

    Your food budget will depend on your appetite and eating habits.
    We tend to have a continental style breakfast, a fast food type of
    lunch and a bigger dinner with lots of snacks in between.  I hate to
    waste my precious Disney time sitting in a restaurant.  We seem to spend
    a lot of money on snacks.  Here's some ideas of what some things cost:
    
      o Sodas are about $1.50 for a small cup and $2.00 for a large
      o The frozen treats are about $1.50 to $2.00
      o Dole Whip is about $2.00
      o The prices at sit down restaurants are about the same as the
        prices at restaurants here in NH
      o The prices at fast food places are about the same as the prices
        at mall food courts here in NH
    
    In August 1984 and 1985 we paid about $40 per day for food for two adults.
    We only ate fast food and snacks.
    
    In August 1986 under the World Vacation Plan through the Magic Kingdom
    for three adults and two children (age 9 and 10).  Our food bill for
    the plan was less than $100 per day.  We ate at buffeterias and one of
    the Epcot restaurants.  Our snacks (not included in the plan) ran
    about $30 per day.
    
    In August 1988 we did the World Vacation Plan for four adults.  Our food
    bill for the plan was around $100 per day.  I'm not sure what we spent
    on snacks but it was probably around $50 per day.
    
    I'm not sure what we spent last October.  Our breakfast bills were
    around $20 for two adults and one child (under 3).  Our lunch bill at
    the Prime Time Cafe was under $50.  For dinner we usually got some
    sort of fast food for less than $20.

    Going in with a family of six, I can truthfully say that lunches cost
    us very little.  We brown bagged it.  We took fruit and sandwiches.
    I know the book says not to, but we did it in full sight of
    Disney employees and noone kicked us out.  We stored the lunches in 
    the lockers and went back there for lunch.  We ate our fill of very
    good meals and we didn't go broke.
    Whats a family to do?
    
    ed
    

    We did see some people brown bagging it and never saw anyone hassled.
    But, we did see many people carrying small coolers get turned back at 
    the TTC.  just fyi for those who want to bring a lunch.  Or better than
    bringing separate bags, put them all in one backpack.  I have never 
    seen anyone at Disney question the contents of backpacks.
    
    peter
    

    fyi - I was questioned once if the diaper bag I was carrying in for my
    son contained lunch!!  (It didn't and I was annoyed at being asked.)
    
    Judy
    

        My family of 5 went to Disney World for 9 days/8 nights from
        11/29/89 till 12/7/89.  Three were children, ages 3,5,7.

        This was a "no holds barred" vacation.  Our philosophy was not
        worry about price at all, we were on vacation and we were to
        enjoy ourselves.  We ate wherever we wanted, ordered whatever
        we wanted without even looking at the prices.  We charged
        everything possible to our room, and only paid cash for snacks
        etc.  We kept all receipts so I know exactly what we spent. 
        
        Every morning except for one (Starring Rolls/MGM) we went to
        either a character breakfast, or ate at a full service
        restaurant at one of the resort hotels.  We usually had the
        banana stuffed french toast at the Polynesian.  :^}  We would
        usually eat lunch in the parks (sometimes full service,
        sometimes sandwiches), and we always had dinner at a full
        service restaurant. Sometimes all 5 of us would go out for
        dinner, other times the kids would eat fast food, go to bed
        early (babysitter) and my wife and I would go out by
        ourselves.  We had a bottle of wine with most dinners.

        In EPCOT we ate at almost all of the full service restaurants
        (Japan, Great Britain (lunch), Italy, Morocco, Mexico, Norway
        (lunch), France, Germany, and the Land Grille),  In MGM, we
        ate at the 50's Prime Time Cafe (lunch),  In the MK, we ate
        lunch at Aunt Polly's, Columbia Harbor House (Monte Cristos),
        and the Diamond Horseshoe review.  We ate one lunch at the
        Polynesian's Coral Isle.  One night we went to the Hoop-de-do
        Review.   We had planned to go to Victoria and Albert's, but
        at the last minute, we decided not to pack dressy clothes
        (after all, we were on vacation).

        Bottom line for all 5 of us was $965.71 for food (including
        tips), or $120.72/day.  This had surprised me as I had
        expected to pay much more.

        I did a calculation to see how much of a World Vacation Plan
        (includes all meals) was allocated to food. For my family of
        5, I figured it was about $225/day.  Based on this, I was
        surprised that I only spent $121/day, and this included
        alcohol and fast food, things that are not covered under the
        World Vacation Plan.  Had I signed up for the World Vacation
        Plan, I am sure that I would have spent more on food, but this
        is because I would have felt compelled to spend as much as
        possible, to get the most value.   Instead, we ordered
        whatever we really wanted and ate wherever was most convenient
        at the time.  If we were on the World Vacation Plan,  we would
        have felt guilty about eating sandwiches at Aunt Polly's
        instead of lobster at the Grand Floridian.  All in all, we
        were very pleased and had a wonderful time!!!

        /Jim Pappas
    

    I went to Orlando with a friend during the last week of March.  We went
    to Disney to buy our one-day/one-park pass.  I had my MKC ready to get
    that 10% discount, when I saw a sign offering a one-day/one-park pass
    for $19.95 with a valid college ID.  Made me glad I'm still a student
    after all these years.  I whipped out that Northeastern U. ID and got
    the discount.  My friend didn't bring her ID, even though she, too, is
    a college student at night (she didn't figure she'd need it!), but they
    gave her the discount anyway.  Those cast members are so nice!
    
    Susan

                      COST OF CHILDREN UNDER THREE??
    
    I have checked note 22.* and there is no discussion of this topic.
         
    I will be going to WDW in early October.  I have seen many notes on the
    cost of WDW which discusses food expense, park admission, hotel
    expense, etc.  I still have some questions:
    
    
         All of the notes talk about children ages 3 and up.  My kids will
         be three the week after our visit (triplets).  Do they still qualify
         for "under-three-prices"??
         
         Should I plan on bringing copies of birth certificates as proof of
         their age.  I'd hate to have to spend the extra $$$$ just because
         I left proof at home.
         
         What is the admission price for children under three?
         
         At meals, e.g. character breakfasts, what should I plan on for the
         cost for the children?  The child's meal prices? (I only ask since
         all reference to children is age 3 up.)
         
         Do the WDW Hotels (Carribean Beach Resort, in particular) charge
         extra for children under three in the room?
   
   Thanks for your help.
   
   David

I've never seen anyone ask for ID at WDW for kids. As long as they are under
three at the time of your visit you are "legal".

We are staying at he CBR this June and Kids stay free.

I am not sure about the other prices for the dinner shows etc.

Doug

    There is no charge for children to stay in the same room as their
    parents.  You'll need to double check about adding a fifth person to
    the room at the CBR.  The rooms are listed for four people, but most of
    the resorts will allow an additional person under three years old.

    Theme park admission is free for children under three.  I have never
    heard of any one being questioned too closely about the age of their
    children.  In fact someone reported in this conference reported that a
    cast member at WDW *insisted* that an older child *had* to be only two
    and wouldn't sell them a ticket.  (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)

    As far as I know there is no charge for under-threes at buffets
    character breakfasts etc.  Of course when you walk in with your three
    girls, who knows what the reaction will be :-)  I still don't think
    you'll have a problem.

    And I thought I was brave taking twins to WDW!

    re: .133
    
    In October 1989 the character breakfast at the Polynesian was
    free for children under 3.  The nice thing is that although
    you don't have to pay, the children still get to have the
    regular meal.  I don't believe this has changed.
    
    I think they can also go to the Hoop-Dee-Doo, the luau and
    Mickey's Tropical Revue for free.

re.133

In Oct of 88 both the character breakfast and the luau were free for my daughter
 who was two at the time.  In fact we went with friend who also had an under
three also.

Last year we were there 2 weeks before her 3rd birthday and got free admission 
to the park without question.

Have fun.

    re:  the last 4 replies.
    
    Thanks!!!  Now I can get some of those dollar signs out of my eyes!!
    I've been to WDW numerous times before, but never with children.  It
    really takes on a whole new dimension.....
    
    David

    I will be attnding WDW in November from the 17th to the 1st of
    December.  How much spending money do you people suggest it takes
    to really enjoy a 5 day pass.  I guess a lot of questions come into
    play here but let's keep it simple.  It will be just my wife and I.
    We will eat three meals a day and will buy a couple of souveniers.
    Maybe some of you can just tell me how much you spent if you don't
    mind or maybe give me a ballpark in the 100's or 1000's.
    
    						Thank you,
    
    							Rodney
    

    Rodney,
    
    Everyone is different. There are souvenirs and there are $ouvenir$.
    
    I guess meals could run you as little as $50 per day or as much as $100
    per day depending upon where/what you eat.
    
    You'll have expensive days as well as inexpensive days.
    
    If you have an idea as to what specific costs you'd incur
    (Hoop-Dee-Doo, a Character Breakfast, etc.) you would be better
    prepared. 
    
    Again, I can't speak for everyone but I'd probably expect a 2 week stay
    (not counting hotel and transportation) for two people to come to
    around $2K.
    
    There will be some people who may be able to do two weeks with less
    while others may need more.
    
    I think you'll spend $1K on food (sounds like a lot but you will be
    there for 14 days). Trinkets, souvenirs, etc. is up to you. If this is
    either your first time or a return visit after a long dry spell you can
    figure you'll spend a bit more than you would had you gone just last
    year.
    
    Mike 
    

    When my wife and I were down 2 years ago (Oh no... I guess it's time
    to go again).  We averaged about $100 per day for food, souvenirs
    etc.  This does not include hotel, park tickets or car rental. 
    
    Some days we'd spend about $50 and eat a lot of junk food, and then
    other days we'd eat next to nothing and still spend $150 on souvenirs.
    Since you are only going to be in the parks itself for 5 days I
    would play it safe and budget $100-150 per/day.  But again when
    we go back it's going to be a no-holds-bar-spend-as-much-money-as
    we-can-kinda-trip.  We have already started saving  :-)
    
    To each is own just, bring plastic.  Remember, never leave home with 
    out it especially Mickey's home  ;-)
    
    JP 

    Knowing myself and the way I like to buy "trinkets" I would bring at
    least $2000. You will probably be going other places where you will want to 
    buy souvenirs, too, and tickets to other attractions around Orlando
    cost a few dollars. As -.1 said, bring lots of plastic along with the
    cash, just in case.
    
    Also, if you have a bank ATM card, investigate if you are in a network
    and if it is represented in Florida. Saved me once in a tight pinch.
    
    Linda

    Thank you for all of your inputs.  $2000.00 was the figure I was
    mulling around in my head also.  Hopefully this will cover Typhoon
    Lagoon and other off site events too!  I think I will bring the plastic
    just in case as a backup!  Ha ha
    
    						Thanks again,
    
    							Rodney
    
    

What does is cost to park at WDW? I'm comparing packages vs. do-it-yourself.
My son and I are going for 4 days/nights Nov 8-12, 1990. If I had a rental car 
we could drive over to see my grandpa in Melbourne some night, so I think I 
want to get one. I want to see if Package A (incl rental car & parking) is 
better than Package B (car/parking not included). The packages are otherwise
identical (hotel, etc) albeit from 2 different tour companies! I'm especially
curious since Pkg A comes with a full size car and I only need a compact. I'll
be calling the car companies for prices soon, but I have no idea what it costs
to park!

RSVP soon - thanks!
			Sue

    Rep to <<< Note 28.144 by ATSE::LEVAN "Living in a Gemini dream" >>>

> What does is cost to park at WDW? 

    Sue,
    
    Last I knew  it  was  $3.00/day for day guests, free if your staying at
    one of the WDW resorts  or  one  of the seven Hotels located at the WDW
    Village.

    Of course entering a park is a diferent story ;^).
        
    Claude

    Confirmed!!!!!!!!!
    
    $3.00 per day and your ticket will allow you entrance to all parking
    lots.
    
    C.L.

Does anyone know if you can leave and re-enter the parking lot.  I remember 
that they stamped your hand for re-entering the parks, but what about 
the parking lot?  Do you have to pay $3 each time you enter during a given day?

    No.
    
    Once you get a ticket for parking you can re-enter as many times as you
    like. If you bought the ticket at Epcot you can also use it at MGM and
    the Kingdom parking lotsand vica versa. They change the colour of the 
    tickets each day so they are only valid one day
    
    C.L.

    Last evening I spoke to my daughter who is at WDW even as we speak. 
    She is staying off-property and said it costs $4.00 a day for
    parking at WDW.
    
    Phil

    The price this Summer was $4.00 for each park. Yet another good reason
    for staying on the property.
    
    Mike

    Annual Passports allow you free parking too, so at $4 per day 
    saving, it's worth considering them if you are planning more than 
    about 6 days in the parks.
    
    Mike_whose_passports_are_waiting_for_the_1991_visit!

    People constantly ask me what they should expect to spend on a WDW
    vacation. Like we've all seen in this note it's gonna vary depending
    upon how you go, where you stay, how long you stay, what you do, and
    how you like to eat.
    
    For those of you who are planning a future WDW vacation and really need
    to get a handle on how much of your hard earned money you can expect to
    part with please indicate the following when asking noters "How much?":
    
          - Who's going?
            
                A. Adults?
                B. Teenagers?
                C. Kids?
                D. Little kids (Under 7)?
                E. How many of each?
    
    
          - Indicate your transportation mode
    
                 A. Air
                 B. Boat
                 C. Train
                 D. Car
    
          - Indicate your choice of hotel
    
                 A. On the property
                      - Which resort?
                 B. Off the property
    
          - Indicate your length of stay
    
                 A. What time of the year?
                 B. Number of days/weeks
    
          - Indicate your level of activity
    
                 A. Do you plan on attending shows?
                 B. Are character breakfasts in your plan?
                 C. Other 
    
          - Describe your eating habits
    
                 A. How many meals a day?
                 B. Are you a light or heavy eater?
                 C. Do you basically like fast food?
                 D. Do you prefer sit down meals?
    
          - Souvenirs
    
                 A. Are you planning on getting particular souvenirs
                    for this trip?
    
    If you are planning a trip to WDW in the near future and you have
    either never been there or haven't been down in the last 5 years or so
    you may want to tap the experiences of our noters to help you properly
    plan for your vacation.
    
    The cost of a WDW vacation varies and the noters will be able to
    pinpoint what you can expect to spend with the info you provide them.
    
    It will make you vacation much more enjoyable if you know in advance
    what to expect to spend.
    
    Mike

I am currently planning a trip t Disney World for June 22-29, 1991. Any and
all help with some prices on cost would be appreciated.

Here is the list of particulars:

			2 adults
			1 child 12
			1 child 6

	Transportation  Air 
			Rental car

	Hotel		Off property

	Length of stay  8 days/7nights
			June 22-29

	Meals		3 meals/day  2 lite meals
				     1 sit down dinner

	Souvenirs	yes Tee shirts etc.

	WDW pass	5 Day pass to WDW
			1 Day pass to Seaworld


	Thanks for your help.

 	Dave Dufort
	

    Dave,
    
    The airfare may be a little hard to get a handle on due to what's going
    on in the Middle East and the oil situation. I hope someone can help
    you on that but I'd say the airfare may run somewhere between
    $800-$1100.
    
    There are expensive and inexpensive hotels outside of WDW. I'll take a
    shot and figure you'll pay around $75/night so it would run you
    somewhere between $500-$600 for your stay.
    
    You'll need three adult 5-day passes and I'm not sure what they will
    cost (price change in the Spring possibly) but I'd say each pass will
    cost around $125-$135. The child's pass will run you $100-$115. Again
    this is a ballpark figure. I would say your WDW passes will run you
    between $500-$600.
    
    SeaWorld will run you around $90-$110 depending upon whether or not you
    use an HBJ discount card (see PAC center for these cards).
    
    If you look at having 2 lite meals and one sit down meal a day the big
    factor will be where your sit down meal will be. I'll estimate that
    your meals expense could run as low as $75 per day and could hit $125
    depending upon where you eat. Figure on spending somewhere around $750
    for the week.
    
    Souvenirs and trinkets can add up. You may want to decide upon a limit
    per family member. A minimum of $50 per person is REAL LOW. I'd say
    figure on $100-$125 per person.
    
    Oh yeah...rental....a brutal subject. Heck I'd figure $150-$200 just to
    play it safe.
    
    Let's total it all up.
    
    
                 Item          Low      Average    High  
                 
                 Travel       $ 700      $ 900       $1200
                 
                 Car Rental   $ 125      $ 150       $ 200
    
                 Hotel        $ 400      $ 500       $ 600
    
                 Passes       $ 500      $ 600       $ 700
    
                 Meals        $ 600      $ 750       $ 900
    
                 Trinkets     $ 250      $ 400       $ 500
    
                              ------     -----       -----
                 Totals       $2575      $3300       $4100
    
    Please keep in mind that these are estimates. I'd say the middle figure
    may be close to what you will spend.
    
    There are other factors...parking lot fees ($4/day), shows
    (Hoop-Dee-Doo will cost you $100), and other expenses we may have
    forgotten.
    
    Again, my air and car rental estimates may be off. Hopefully others
    will enter some info to help you out. Rule of thumb seems to be that a
    week in Orlando is usally going to run $1K/person on average.
    
    Hope this helps.
    
    Mike

as usual, Mike has given a great response.  I'll just add a little more
based on my prior experiences.

I'd like to mention 2 other possible expenses that may/may not be appropriate 
for Dave in particular to consider, but others should.

First is the expense of purchasing film AND the expense of getting it developed
on return from THE vacation.  You can always get it developed over time, but I
was so anxious to see the pictures that we developed all our film immediately
on return.  We were surprised at the number of rolls of film that were used. 
We had allowed our then 12 year old daughter and 10 year old son to take 
whatever pictures they wanted - NEVER AGAIN!  HINT - be careful at Sea World,
kids will take many pictures of the shows there that will not come out due to 
the distance from the stands to the show.

Second, if you have a pet, boarding it for the vacation should be accounted
for in your planned expenses.  We boarded our 2 dogs for 12 nights at $7 each
per night ... 

If you wish to "tune" the questimates that Mike had, you can do some upfront
planning.  Check out hotels in the area to see what is available in various
price ranges.  Our relative that have gone to WDW and stayed off-site have been
pleased with the Sheraton Lakeside.

Regarding food, we did our questimate during our planning stage.  We did this
by deciding what special meals we wanted, dinner shows, lunch/dinner in Epcot
...  Don't forget snacks, they add up quickly.

Let us know what you come up with for your questimate.

peter

    Peter's right about the film. 
    
    Keep in mind that today's world events may cause airport security to
    xray all baggage. There goes your vacation pictures.
    
    If you can buy all your film before you leave. I have friends who
    brought all those picture mailers and just dropped in a roll of film
    and had the film people mail it to their home. When they arrived back
    from their vacation they had their pictures. Pretty cheap.
    
    Developing film IS EXPENSIVE down there but if you've taken a picture
    that you feel is important to you you may want to develop the roll to
    insure you got what you wanted.
    
    If you run out of film take a ride to Kissimee and visit the K-Mart
    behind Universal Studios.
    
    Mike

	Definitely the film can be a killer! Both of us (Stan and I) have
	Minolta X-700 and "like" to take pictures, not just at WDW, so that
	is definitely a category to budget, if you have a videocam, or
	whatever you call them, you've got the cost of the tapes also
	
	** Maybe someone can give some idea on how many tapes seems reasonable
	for a trip to WDW for a week.


	I actually wanted to comment on the food. I assume that the estimates
	in .154 were based on 4 people (2 children, 2 adults)...

	My caution is in budgeting $75/day/food for 4 people. This might
	be reasonable as a LOW end for a family of 4 staying off property,
	since there are numerous restaurants (especially on I192) that offer
	children eat free or for minimal ($1-3) with adults....

	If you're planning on staying on WDW property, I would suggest you
	adjust your food budget based on a couple of things.

	1. Are you planning on having a cooler in your room where you can
	provide snacks/and maybe breakfasts.

	2. Are you planning on eating most/all meals "out".

	If on property, more than likely you aren't going to want to 
	truck off property to get your meals (of course if you're
	staying in one of the trailers your food budget is different).

	Anyhow,

		Breakfasts: $5/person - going light at say CBR
			(juice, milk, roll,muffin)
			    $10/person - if you're going to want
			to have eggs/pancakes/ or that type stuff.
			(You can eat Breakfast in The land for < $10/person)

		Lunches:  $5/person if just a fastfood sand/soda/ otherwise
			up it a couple of dollars.

		Dinners: $10/person minimum, I would think if you're
			sitting down to a dinner in WDW $15/minimum for
			an adult would be more reassonable, by the
			time you add in tip and TAX!

		so for 4 people it's probably closer to $100/day...


	And one thing not to forget in your FOOD budget.. the cost of
	refreshments! This can be a surprise out of your Food budget
	if you don't plan for it. Like drinks (soda, some places will
	give you water), but the sodas run $1.00-$2.00 each depending
	upon the size. If it's HOT & HUMID, you'll drink more, or try
	sneaking some in... You'll pass tons of ice cream stands in
	all parks, and again, it's it's hot, they hit the spot, again
	figure $1.50 each ice cream. And then there's the things like
	being in Epcot and getting a pasterie in France, :^) etc!
	Just two sodas/person and 1 ice cream a person per day can add $16+
	to your daily food budget! So figure this in, or sneak some
	juices/water in with you (now I didn't say that)...

	There is a note that lists the prices for all the dinner
	and breakfast shows, A good suggestion would be to allocate
	a daily amount and then add on for any dinner shows & 
	breakfasts above that. It will give you alittle extra...

		 
	Another way to get some idea of what a realistic food budget
	would be for your family, is consider how much you normally spend
	on a light breakfast, light lunch if you were eating out at home,
	and the same for you're dinner. Expect it will be the same or
	most likely, more in WDW. 

	Watch those snacks! And if you have a room with those snack/ref.
	units Watch out even more, or your bill will be a surprise when
	you check out.


			-Annie

    Annie brings up some good points. The cost of food down there is the
    same or a bit more than up here. Assume that you'll spend at least as
    much as you would spend if you were home.
    
    As far as video tapes...well...I think you have to think about what you
    intend on taping before figuring on how much blank tape to bring.
    
    For instance:
    
    The Magic Kingdom offers a number of video opportunities, parades,
    fireworks, shows, characters, and attractions that could add up.
    
    Here's a list to consider:
    
    The Magic Kingdom
    -----------------
    Main Street USA - 10 minutes
    Parades         - ELO and others 30-40 minutes
    Diamond Horseshoe Revue - 20-30 minutes
    Kids of the Kingdom - 20-30 minutes
    Fireworks - 15-20 minutes
    
    
    Attractions - See Peter Karam's timed attraction note in this
    conference.
    
    Characters - Ya never know where, who, or how much...Mickey's Starland
                 is good for 30 minutes of characters.
    
    
    Epcot Center
    ------------
    
    Again see Peter's note on times.
    
    The Land Pavilion - Worth a few minutes of panning...especially the 
                        baloons inside.
    
    Water Fountains outside of EO - At least 5 minutes of fun.
    
    The American Adventure - Tape this if you can...a must...30 minutes(?)
    Also - Tape Voices of Liberty - 15-20 minutes
    
    Illuminations takes about 30-40 minutes.
    
    
    MGM Studios
    -----------
    
    You could fill up one tape on Streetmosphere alone.
    
    Indiana Jones is a must - close to an hour
    
    Any show at the Theater of the Stars - 20 minutes
    
    Suggested attractions - Backstage tour 1 hour
                            Muppets - 20 minutes
                            Animation films (on the Animation Tour) 10
                            minutes.
    
    Fireworks - 15-20 minutes
    
    
    
    Pleasure Island
    ---------------
    Tough to call....one tape
    
    
    Frt Wilderness
    --------------
    Hoop-Dee-Doo - At least an hour
    
    
    Typhoon Lagoon
    --------------
    You could capture the essence of TL in 30 minutes of footage.
    
    Shopping Village
    ----------------
    Ya gotta get some footage on these shops - 30 minutes.
    
    
    Just from my ramblings above I'd say you'd need 5 or 6 tapes. If you
    want to tape everything like I did then figure on using 1 to 2 tapes a
    day. It's a matter of choice and whether or not you want to lug the 
    camera around.
    
    Mike

Hello,

Here is some cost info for your consumption regarding our (my family -- 
self, spouse, one daughter age 6 and son age 4) 
vacation to the Orlando/WDW area: "*" denotes an allocation amount, no 
"*" denotes actual expense. [n] represents a footnote with additional 
information at bottom of note.

Our trip plans are for 11/6 - 11/15/91 with the 14th and 15th being in Ft 
Myers area. Ft. Myers costs are not included below (car for two days and 
hotel/meals)

	$ 1,352.00	Airfare (338 * 4 RT) [0]
	    466.20	Lodging at Condotels for 1 week (7 nights)
			 2 bdrm/2ba condo with amenities [1]
	    119.00	Midsize Avis rental car for 1 week [2]
	    530.10	WDW 5 day superpasses [3]
	  * 200.00	Condo eat-in food/groceries (brkfst/dinner)
	  * 200.00	Eat-out lunches/other [4]
	     40.00      Disney Dollars for the kids (20 each) [5]
	     80.00	Sea World Admission [6]
	  * 150.00	Souveniers, snacks
	  * 150.00	Other expenses [7]
	  * 125.00	Other entertainment [8]
	----------
	$ 3,412.30	Amazing how it adds up! and we got pretty good
			deals on lodging/car and should save on food!

[0] excursion fares (stay sat nite, 14 day advance, etc.) We are flying 
from Seattle to Orlando and then back to Seattle out of Ft. Myers. It 
was the same price as Orlando and more convenient.

[1] 7 miles from main gate of WDW on 192, amount above includes 11% 
hotel tax ($420/wk * 1.11). A price increase to $450/wk has ensued, but 
they honored to old rate because it is what we had been told this 
summer. The especially nice thing about this place is it is not 
timeshare-like restrictions. You can come on any day and leave on any 
day and stay for any duration. No report on goodness since we haven't 
stayed yet, but the pictures are nice. We will be doing all breakfasts 
and most dinners in the condo. 

[2] We will be using an upgrade coupon to go from midsize to 4-door full 
size at no extra cost (sans gas). We could have rented a subcompact for 
$99/wk but didn't want to gamble on running out of trunk space. A 
subcompact could not be upgraded with our coupon.

[3] 2 Adult and 2 Child (age 3 - 11?) 5 day Plus Superpasses at MKC 
discount (tax included).

[4] We will probably have light lunches/snacks for the most part. Our 
kids are light and picky eaters.

[5] We'll spend more than this but they get to "own" (mostly) how this 
particular amount gets spent.

[6] Sea World discounted admission via Shamu Club membership (20% off)

[7] Gasoline, parking, tolls, oops! we forgots, etc.

[8] Just in case padding

Our plan calls for:

Wednesday 11/6 - travel day (arrive 8:30 p.m.)
Thursday - River Country, Discovery Island, acclimate schedule (3 hour 
           time zone difference)
Friday - Magic Kingdom
Saturday - MGM Studios (fireworks on the schedule for this night)
Sunday - Epcot (surprise in the sky, Illuminations too!)
Monday - Typhoon Lagoon
Tuesday - Sea World
Wednesday - Magic Kingdom and/or Typhoon Lagoon and drive to Ft. Myers
Thursday - Sanibel and area beaches
Friday - beach a.m. Return home

We tried to use tips here, unofficial and official guides to set days to 
visit parks. Most important to us are MK (*2?), EC, MGM
Did I miss anything? Any suggestions?
    
    Can't wait... 13 days!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    Tim
    

    It's amazing what you come across when you get around to cleaning. Last
    night I was going through some old boxes and I found some interesting
    items.
    
    Item #1: Copies of roundtrip tickets to Orlando from June 1976.
             Cost: $175.
    
    Item #2: A booklet of old A/B/C/D/E? Magic Kingdom tickets. I never
             liked those booklets 'cause I never had enough of the good 
             ones.
    
             For those of you under 30 these booklets had so many A,B,C,D,
             and E? tickets. Each ticket had it's own color and attractions
             for which the ticket was used. Once you used up the tickets
             with the attractions you like you'd have to purchase another
             booklet to go on those attractions.
    
             Everything from Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse to Space
             Mountain had a ticket. I remember The Hall of Presidents
             being free in '75 but had it's own ticket in '76.
    
             Of course we're talkin' only TMK back then.
    
             Price of the booklet? Wow, I'd say it was around $8-12.
             Admission to TMK back then was around $14-16.
    
    Item #3: Packet of postcards from Sea World, Cypress and Busch Gardens,
             Stars Hall of Fame, and Circus World. The last two are gone.
    
    That 1976 trip was booked through the Garber Travel Magic Carpet
    Package. I think the entire package cost under $1000.
    
    The airfare was $175 apiece roundtrip, we atayed at the Ramada Inn on
    Int'l Drive at something like $35/night.
         
    The package also included:
    
                             - Sea World
                             - Busch Gardens
                             - Cypress Gardens
                             - The Magic Kingdom
                             - Stars Hall of Fame (No longer there)
                             - Circus World (No longer there)
                             - Wizard's House
    
    I remember eating well back then, King Stephan's, The Poly, The
    Contemporary.....but the number of restaurants and eating
    establishments available back then can't compare with those of the
    90's.    
    
    And back then I thought $1000 for two people for 8 days was expensive.
    You couldn't get that kind of a deal for even just one person these
    days.
    
    Of course ten years from now we'll be saying the same thing about our
    "great deals in the early 90's."
    
    Mike

Mike,

Save that ticket book.  If it is complete it is probably worth several times
its face value to Disneyana collectors.

Of course you can always trade in those tickets for face value toward the
purchase new passports at the TTC.

    Len,
    
    The book is not complete. I'll bring it to the next Disney
    get-together, or maybe even the bash.
    
    Why do I feel that if that ticket book was still being used we'd see
    less of our Brazillian friends?
    
    Mike_who_will_see_his_friends_from_Brazil_in_2_months

    
    I just called DELTA and inquired about their DREAM VACATION deals to
    ORLANDO (a.k.a DISNEY)...
    
    I was quoted the following.. I need YOUR suggestions regarding (which
    one) is this a good deal or can I do better than this ? This is for the 
    THAKSGIVING weekend..
    
    Boston - Orlando  = $ 293/pp   (Only RT Air) i.e. $586 for 2 people
    
    Bosotn - Orlando  = $ 839   (for 2 Persons - Includes RT Air, Quality
    				Inn for 6 Days/5nights, Compact Car from Alomo
    				(actually 2-Dr Cavaliar))
    				
    		      = $ 1099  -"- + 4 Day pass to Disney+MGM+Epcot & 1 Day
    				pass to Pleasure Island
    
    Also, I have the following quote from Continental Air on their RT air,
    I am trying to get to their Grand Destination number...
    	$222.50/pp..  Can I do anything better than the Delta's price if I book
    	the hotel and the car on my own ?
    
    Thanks,
    /Alkesh
    

    
    To answer my own question ...
    
    I called Liberty Travels here in Boston and asked for a package deal for 
    hotels and car. They quoted me -  (for 5N/6D and Alomo rental (Cavaliar 2 
    Dr.)
    
    $130/pp    at  Quality Inn 
    $133/pp    at  Econo Lodge
    $180/pp    at  Days Inn 
    $137/pp    at  Comfort Inn 
    
    Any suggestions for which one to pick ? (since cost is within $50 can
    pick any..)
    
    Thanks.
    
    /Alkesh
    
    

    Go with the Comfort Inn. They have kitchenettes in them I believe.
    If you can get a close price on Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista,
    that would beat them all.

    Wow,
    
    While purging some house clutter over the weekend I came across some
    old envelopes. In one envelope I found some paperwork from my first
    trip to WDW....1975.
    
    Needless to say the price has gone up. The trip I took that year was
    booked through Garber Travel and the package was called "Magic Carpet."
    
    The trip was for 3 nights and 4 days. We stayed at Travel Lodge and we
    just did The Magic Kingdom 'cause that's all that there was back then.
    
    Anyway I think the trip for the two of us probably ran about $600 tops.
    
    These days $600 won't even cover admission for a family of 4.
    
    It's the rising cost that makes it so important to explore all options,
    discounts, and ways of saving money before "taking the plunge."
    
    Mike
    

    Here's more trivia on the how prices have changed.
    
    I came across an old WDW guidebook that has some interesting info.
    I had mentioned somewhere else in this conference that back in the 70's
    you had several options when purchasing admission to TMK.
    
    These were:
    
        - General Admission (Adult $6.00, Junior $5.00, Child $3.00)
    
          Includes admission to TMK and use of the transportation
          system...but no attractions.
    
        -  8 Adventure Ticket Book (Adult $7.25, Junior $6.75, Child $6.25)
    
           This included admission to the park, use of the transportation
           system, and admission to 8 attractions.
          
        - 12 Adventure Ticket Book (Adult $8.25, Junior $7.75, Child $7.25)
    
          This included admission to the park, use of the transportation
          system, and admission to 12 attractions.
    
        - The Vacation Kingdom Book (18 Adventure Ticket Book)
          (Adult $18.25, Junior $16.75, Child $15.25)
    
          This Ticket Book included two day admission to TMK, use of the
          transportation system, admission to 16 attractions, coupon for World
          Cruise to Treasure Island and coupon, transportation, and admission to
          River Country.
    
    You may think that some of these deals look pretty good BUT it's not
    what you think. A 12 adventure Ticket Book did not mean you could ride
    Space Mountain 12 times. Tickets were broken down into five categories.
    These were labeled A,B,C,D, and E. Each booklet had more A tickets than
    B tickets, more B tickets than C tickets, more c tickets than D
    tickets, and more D tickets than E tickets. E tickets were like gold.
    
    Here is a list of attractions and there ticket designations:
    
    
    Main Street, U.S.A
    
    Walt Disney Railroad - C
    Walt Disney Story - Free
    Main Street Cinema - A
    Penny Arcade - D
    Plaza Swan Boats - D (These are gone..they traveled around the moat)
    Horse Cars (trolley) - A
    Horseless Carriage - A
    Omnibus (see these in EPCOT) - A
    Fire Engine - A
    
    
    Adventureland
    
    Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse - B
    Jungle Cruise - E
    Enchanted Tiki Birds - D
    Pirates of the Caribbean - E
    Caribbean Arcade - Free (Not sure if this is still around)
    
    
    Frontierland
    
    Tom Sawyer Island - D
    Davey Crockett's Explorer Canoes - C
    Country Bear Jamboree - E
    Frontier Shootin' Gallery - B
    Diamond Horsehoe Revue - Free
    
    
    Liberty Square
    
    Hall of Presidents - Free (Opened in 1976 and was free for one year)
    Liberty Square Riverboats - D
    Mike Fink Keelboats - B
    The Haunted Mansion - E
    
    
    Fantasyland
    
    Skyway (one way) - D
    Peter Pan's Flight - C
    Small World - E
    Mickey Mouse Revue (Sob!) - D
    Cinderella's Golden Carrousel - A
    Dumbo - B
    Snow White - C
    Mr. Toad - C
    20,000 Leagues - E
    Mad Tea Party - B
    
    
    Tomorrowland
    
    Grand Prix Raceway - D
    Space Mountain - E
    Skyway (one way) - D
    Star-Jets - D
    Wedway PeopleMover - E  (I never understood why this was an E ride)
    Carrousel of Progress - Free
    If You Had Wings - Free (I think Dreamflight replaced this attraction)
    CircleVision 360 - Free
    Mission to Mars - D (Can't figure this out either)
    
    Now you know what is meant when someone says, "Wow that's an E ticket
    ride!" 
    
    One of the reasons for changing the admission/attraction ticket/pass
    scheme of things is quite simple. Back then if you ran out of tickets
    you'd probably go up to a ticket booth inside the park and buy another
    booklet...I said "may" because you sometimes felt that you weren't
    getting a good deal since the A and B attractions weren't the greatest
    but you got more A and B tickets than the D and E tickets.
    
    So you'd leave the park.
    
    Now you can take in whatever attraction you'd like as many times as you
    like. This means you'll stay in the park and are more likely to spend
    more money...on food...on souvenirs...on a lot of things.
    
    One more interesting tidbit. This Guide has a map of WDW on the back
    page. Back then there was TMK, The CR hotel, The Poly, The Golf Resort
    (better known as The Disney Inn), River Country, Fort Wilderness, and
    Treasure island (Discovery Island). That was it.
    
    The map shows all these spots and, get this, even breaks down TMK's
    Parking Lot. I knew there were 12 areas but now I know where they are. 
    You don't want to park in Daisy, Donald, Sneezy, or Bashful. If you are
    directed to any of those areas be prepared for long lines.
    
    So after thinking about the good ol' days and the way admission and 
    attractions were handled I would guess that today's multi-day passes
    are a real bargain.
    
    Mike 

    
    When my wife and I first went to WDW (synonymous with the MK at that
    time) in '81, we bought a package deal through the MKC that included 5
    days entry to the park and unlimited rides.  We figured this was the
    way it was done at WDW - we had previously gone to Disneyland and used
    the A,B,C,D,E tickets.  The pass was similar to current 5-day passes
    except that it had a reinforced hole and a string for attaching the
    pass.
    
    When we got to the parks, we found out that some people had passes
    similar to ours, but the majority of people had individual ride
    tickets.  In fact, to get to the monorail landing at the the
    Contemporary, you had to have a pass or tickets.  We quickly found out
    that our way was the better way to go.  And the cast members loved us,
    'cause they didn't have to collect any tickets from us.  The only thing
    was, we had to attach the pass to our clothes so it would be visible to
    the cast members.
    
    Also, the 5-day pass was evidently something special through the MKC,
    as people kept coming up to us asking where we got them.  They could
    only buy 3- or 4-day passes.  I don't remember how long this dual
    option was available, since we always got the multiday passes.  But it
    finally occurred to me that only "unlimited ride" tickets were
    available when we no longer needed to show our passports to the ride
    attendant.  If we were in the park, we could ride the rides.
    
    What a nice trip down memory lane, thinking about the "good old days".
    
    --Jay
    

    
    
    
       My first trip to WDW was the summer of 75 (year I got out of high
    school... ouch!). EPCOT was under construction at that time and the
    area looked VERY different. I was visiting an Aunt and Uncle, the first
    of my family to move down to the "Sunshine state", now I'm the only one
    who DOESN'T live down there.
       Anyway, because they were residents, they got "Magic Key" tickets in
    the mail. These were good for any ride (I don't think Space Mt. was
    finished yet?). So I got the cheapest package possible, which included
    the bus ride from Tampa, and had a great time.
       One of the thing that impressed me, more then anything else, was how
    clean the park was. It's still very clean, but back then you could have
    eaten off the ground!
       I was there from 9:30a.m. to closing (10:00 I think). Because I was
    by myself, I moved around pretty quickly, much different then today
    with the kids. There certainly wasn't as much to see back then, but I
    was hooked. It took 12 years for me to get back, but it's been 5 out of
    the last 6, including this summer. Having all my family down there
    gives me a great "excuse" to go that often. ;^)
    
    
    
                                         Phil...  

    Went to WDW last month and we splurged
    since it was our anniversary.  However,
    EVERYTHING is excessively expensive,
    especially the meals.
    
    We stayed at the Grand Floridian at
    some $400 a night; small room, I thought,
    for the money, but lovely nonetheless.
    
    Most meals cost us between $50 and $100
    per night.  For example, Flagler's in the
    GF ( an Italian rest).  Two main dishes,
    one bottle of wine, two cups of coffee...$85.
    Now, I'm Italian, I know how much pasta costs
    to make as well as a good tomato sauce and
    it ain't much!!  
    
    DId eat at Victoria and Albert's....I liked it,
    but it wasn't worth the ridiculous amount of
    money they charged.
    
    Tell me, how do families do WDW?  I was constantly
    amazed at the numbers of people with 3 and 4 kids.
    
    I knew how much we were paying and wondered how
    these people did it.
    
    Loved it, though.  Hadn't been there in years so
    Thunder Mtn and Splach Mtn were new for me.
    
    Can't wait to go back.

    there is no doubt that Mickey has his heavey hand in your pocket while
    you are there.  That said, if you stayed in the most expensive hotel
    and ate at the most expensive restraunts, you really should have
    expected it!
    going as a family of SIX, I can tell you there are steps that can help
    you save money.
    We stayed in the campground.  $50/night.
    we ate breakfast in the CG
    we brown baged into the parks.
    we ate most suppers back at the CG.
    THATS how a family can do it.
    next trip in DEC we go as a family of four.  We'll stay four nights at
    WL, offset four nights at all-star music.   156/85
    we'll have creal in the rooms.
    the rest of the three weeks we'll be staying off site.
    
    also, we start paying for the vacation now.
    
    regards,
    ed

    Like Ed I'm starting to pay for my next vacation ('97) now.
    
    I use APs instead of multi-day passes. This was I can freeze the
    price (use '95 prices for a '97 and '98 vacation). Since I usually
    go for two weeks this method saves a few hundred dollars.
    
    If you're going for two weeks and want to stay on the property places
    like GF, B&YC, Poly, CR, DVC, and WL will not help the budget.
    
    We really enjoy the CBR so that is our resort of choice. I'd take PO or
    DL if the CBR is booked but we usually get what we want because we book 
    so far in advance.
    
    And like Ed says, you can pay for your room little by little before you
    even arrive in Orlando. I expect to be sending payments from time to
    time so that most, if not all, of our room's bill is paid.
    
    Also, I like to drive down. That in itself saves a few hundred dollars.
    Sure it means several days of travel but it's worth it.
    
    There is a lot you can do regarding food. You can store food in your
    room and save money by avoiding expensive breakfasts.
    
    Also, you can get by with one big meal per day. If you eat breakfast in
    your room and then have a large lunch or (early) dinner, you should be
    able to escape the day by paying less than $25/person per day for food.
    
    You really should splurge a bit down there because the food is
    topnotch. We try to do a big meal every other day. In a two week period
    that comes down to 6 or 7 meals. We're talking places like Tony's,
    Alfredo's, Coral Reef, 1900 Park Faire, Brown Derby, and maybe
    Hoop-Dee-Doo.
    
    If you do your homework and plan accordingly you can really stretch
    your dollar. 
    
    Mike
    

           
    You can also get away eating cheaper by going to a late lunch at
    the sit-down restaurants.  The lunch menus are a few dollars
    cheaper and feature most of the same dinner items.  I noticed that
    most of the sit-down places serve lunch till 3-4pm. One thing
    you can do is go to about a 2:30 buffet, eat yourself silly and you are 
    pretty well set for cheap for the whole day...especially when you consider 
    how much a WDW fast food lunch can cost.
    
    --bert
    
    
    
    
    
    

    
    ref. 172
    
    	Hey Mike,
    	
    	What's AP?  I don't read this conference enough to know the
    	acronmies.  I would be interested in finding out more about
    	paying my room ahead of time and being able to pay when I can.
    	Can you tell me a little more about it?  
    
    	We have a 3 yrs. old and a 2 yrs. that we want to take when the
    	2 yrs. is around five or six year old.  Do you think they would
    	give me today's room rate for three or four years down the road?
    
    	Any advice would be helpful,
    
    	Phil D.  

    Phil,
    
    AP = Annual Passport
    
    As far as pre-paying, I don't know of such a thing, but note 254
    discusses Disney Vacation Club, which is a time-share condo arrangment. 
    Maybe you can bank up your unused time until the trip?
    
    Tom
    

>>    	Do you think they would
>>    	give me today's room rate for three or four years down the road?

Nope.  You can probably book it now, and start paying toward it now so that
the pain of the expense is spread out some, but you'll have to pay the rates
and taxes as they are during your trip.  They'll just keep adjusting your
amount due as the rates and taxes increase.  

In fact, in April I paid off a fee for a one-night room stay for May, and
when I checked in in May I found I owed another $0.85 because of a tax 
increase from 10% to 11%.  You can bet that if they were that diligent for
85 cents there's no way they'll give you 3-4 year old room rates! :-)

						Tracy  

    I don't remember if anyone answered the reply on what AP was...Annual
    Pass.
    
    This is one of the best ways to save money. For instance, last month
    when you paid $400.00/night at the GF it was during an AP passholders
    special period (it started the last day of our trip in April and I
    think if goes to the end of June).  These periods get you 30-50% off
    hotel rates if you are an AP pass holder.
    
    I've brought a famiy of 5 down there 3 times during the past 5 years
    Each year doing something different and 'splurging' a bit more each
    time.  We basically have a blast.  I know that over the next year I
    will not have much time with my family so I wanted to let us all have
    one 'lasting' memory together for the year.  Although they had a choice
    to go anywhere for a vacation every one wanted to go back to Disney for
    the 3rd time....for the money I don't think you can beat the lasting
    experience.
    
    Without repeating the money saving methods that people have used over
    the years I suggest when planning a trip and you are reading this
    note...spend about a week or two studying this notes file.  There are
    years of money savings experience packed in here.
    
    -Jay
    

    Oh, I know that there are ways of
    saving money in WDW, but still, it's
    expensive.  You're a captive audience,
    after all.
    
    Someone mentioned skipping meals or
    eating only once a day...can't do it..
    blood sugar problems and besides, it's
    bad for you to do that.  Mickey would
    tell you that.
    
    Next time we go, we will opt for something
    less expensive.  As I said, it was our 
    anniversary and we splurged and we had
    saved the money..but still $25 for a plate
    of ravioli..really!!!!!
    
    Did love the Italian rest at Epcot..forget its
    name...they gave me royal treatment because
    of my very Italian last name.  One of the
    better meals and not as expensive as other.
    
    Also, if you like Japanese, the room where
    you can get sushi and tempura is wonderful.
    
    

I guess it was inevitable. On the same day my VACATION.COM tells me I'm under
400 days I get a notice in the mail from Lake Buena Vista and it's a modified
reservation confirmation.

The nitice informs me that the 1997 rates have been set and that the $109/night
room I booked in '95 for '97 is now $125/night.

If you do the math that means the room really went from $119.90/night to
$136.40/night.

Are there any other '97 vacationers out there who have gotten modified notices?

Mike_who_needs_to_save_even_more_pennies